BadCatDesigns

LOTS of Good Things! SugarPlumFairy revealed, a new design in a new book and a Pantone color game! What more could you ask for?

2012-02-18T13:44:00.000-05:00

First, my winter group has been speeding through a couple of hundred charted lines of lace and many hundred stitches, and a few people have actually finished this week! In their honor I am posting a few finish photos. The blocking photo is posted at the winter group and will be on Ravelry later today. If you want the pattern please join the group to access the files. The group will remain open all winter. Details are here!

You can see how large the piece is, and how well it wraps around the wearer. I think you might be able to see the sun sparkle off the beads too!

The wind was not helping us when we took this photo, but you get the idea...

This is light as chiffon! More photos coming soon, and check out all the working photos on Ravelry.

Next, I have a design in this lovely new book by Iris Schreier! Of course, my design uses the skinniest yarn available for this concept project, a gorgeous 1-ply cashmere by ArtYarns.

Here is a photo of my Elegant Triangle from the book, and you can see details here. You can see all the projects in the book here! The publisher was kind enough to give me an extra copy of this book, just so I could share it with you! So here is the deal: Read my challenge below and leave an appropriate comment here at the blog. Be sure you either have an account that shares your contact info OR you include your email address after your comment. If you do not I can't reach you, so can't give you the book. If you live in the US I will send you the book. If you live outside the US and you are willing to cover postage I will also send you the book! Fair enough? Read on...

The Pantone Spring colors came out a little while ago, and sure enough my last two group projects are right on. How is it that I am so cutting edge I choose the colors before they do, you might ask? I am also asking that, and believe it or not I have another piece in the works using yet another of these colors (or one pretty darn close.) And it isn't in the purple family, just saying. So guess the color from the Spring 2012 Pantone colors that is in my knitting bag right now, and also tell me what color my summer project should be, so we can set the trend for Summer or Fall colors. I will choose from the correct guesses for the project in my bag, and then select the one I like best, for the summer project suggestions! I will announce the winner here and also send you an email asking for your address. By the way, humorous comments might get extra credit.
Pantone Spring 2012 colors...

Sugar Plum Fairy Winter 2012 Group Project Announcement!

2011-12-10T16:45:00.001-05:00

"Do you know the story of the Nutcracker? It all started with a king, a queen, some mice, and a young princess named Pirlipat." For anyone who grew up with E.T.A. Hoffmann's tale about the Nutcracker and the Mouse King this line will bring you back to wonderful Christmas trees, magical gifts and a fantasy world. As a child growing up in New York City, the winter holidays meant one thing. The Nutcracker Ballet! And I saw some amazing dancers over the years, most recently when my mother and I took my daughter a few winters ago. Marzipan ladies and gentleman indeed!
This special project combines lace weight yarn, two different types of beads, nupps, hex mesh, flowers, fairies, and fir trees in a gossamer confection. The finished piece is a semi-circle (more than a half-circle) and can be made as a full circle with minimal modifications. The project is fun and challenging. Knitters must be comfortable using charts. This project has about 280 rows of lace knitting without ANY repeats.
I promise all of you a real treat, both to knit and enjoy as an heirloom. Are you interested in joining us?

For those of you who have done groups with me before, you know the deal. For those who have not, a special YahooGroup has been set up for this project. You must have a Yahoo log-on to access the group, which is free. If you do not already have one, follow this link and make one! http://groups.yahoo.com/

All conversations about the project, project files and photographs will “live” at the group and you can access them at your convenience. All conversation will take place through the group email. I will be available to present new files almost every week, reply to questions and generally support your success, plus have a lot of fun knitting and sharing. We will also be setting up an optional Ravelry group (for chat only) when we cast-on.

The group is opening 12/10/11 and the project will begin in early January. The project membership fee is $16. This is payable to badcatdesigns@verizon.net, via PayPal. If you need me to send you an invoice or have any other questions, please send me an email request with SugarPlumFairy in the subject line. Once payment is received, an invitation to the SugarPlumFairy group will be sent to you and you can join and introduce yourself!

We will be chatting about materials and schedules for the next few weeks and begin swatching on New Year's Eve. Happy Holidays to all...

Back to the garden is wrapping up!

2011-10-30T20:30:00.003-04:00

I am just thrilled to bring you the Back to the Garden Gallery Post. The gorgeous work speaks for itself. Each knitter's name and project specs are listed above their photographs. The group is still open as people finish up their projects, but is closed to new members. All the patterns from our group are now available for sale at my Ravelry pattern shop, and here are the links to each project:

Back to the Garden Shawl Booklet
Ferns in the Garden socks
Peacocks in the Garden Mitts
Elm Leaf Scarf

Gallery post prizes, randomly selected from gallery participants are as follows:

First Prize is a skein of gorgeous sock yarn from LandOLace and a set of socks needles from Stitch Dragon, and goes to: Cara

Second Prize is a gorgeous skein of lace yarn from LandOLace and donated by Mary Rose, and goes to: Sheila

Third Prize is a lovely beaded knitting counter donated by Mary Rose, and goes to: Sue E

Fourth Prize is a set of sock needles from Stitch Dragon, and goes to: Jean

You can see pictures of the prizes at the bottom of this post and thank you to our prize sponsors!
I thank each of you for participating and you will all be invited to join my Winter 2012 group as my guests. Keep your eye on your inbox for an invitation to join BadCat's SugarPlumFairy Winter group! I will be back next week with some details.

Without further ado...

PROJECT: Back to the Garden Shawl
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: StamaxBlog
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): Colourmart 2/28 Silk/Cashmere 85:15 in Aquamarine
Needle size used: 3 US
Beads used: some nice 8/0's from my stash, but unmarked otherwise
Finished size of piece: 35" x 64"
Comments about the project: This is such a lovely shawl! I love the flowing design and the beautiful shape. This was wonderful to knit.

PROJECT: Elm Scarf
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: StamaxBlog
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): 20/2 Silk in Magenta
Needle size used: US 2
Beads used: Cranberry lined 10/0 triangles
Finished size of piece: 11" x 61"
Comments about the project: Beautiful! I can't wait to wear it!

PROJECT : Elm scarf
Your name: Amanda
Your Ravelry name: AmandvW
Blog URL: http://paradisefoundkerrie.blogspot.com/
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): Bendigo Woollen Mills 2 ply Classic in Peony, 542 yes
Needle size used: 2.25mm
Beads used: 8/0 Matsuno beads
Finished size of piece: 56.5" x 9"
Comments about the project: I knitted 15 pattern repeats

PROJECT: Back To The Garden Shawl
Your name: Jean
Your Ravelry name: Cali1951
Yarn Used : ColourMart 2/28MM Merino/Silk 75/25 color Lilla
Needle size used: US 2 - 2.75 mm
Beads used: Size 10 Transparent Light Amethyst AB Triangle.
Finished size of piece: 58” x 31”
Comments about the project: I love, love, love this shawl. Even with all the nupps it was a rather quick knit.

PROJECT: Elm Leaf Scarf
Your name:Jean
Your Ravelry name: Cali1951
Yarn Used : 20/75/5% cashmere,wool,synthetic 24/2 color lemon grass
Needle size used: US 2 - 2.75 mm
Beads used: Size 11 silver lined crystal seed beads
Finished size of piece: 50” x 10”

PROJECT: Ferns in the Garden Socks
Your name Jean
Your Ravelry name: Cali1951
Yarn Used : Knit Picks Stroll
color Grass
Needle size used: US 1 - 2.25 mm
US 2 - 2.75 mm
US 0 - 2.0 mm
Comments about the project:
Since this is a stretchy pattern, I used a US 2 needle for the leg, changed to aUS 1 for the ankle and to a US 0 for the foot. For the one-toed part, I moved thefirst 12 stitches of the top and last 12 stitches from the bottom to waste yarn.I then worked the 40 remaining stitches around and cast on 4 between bottom andtop. I then proceeded as usual for a toe decreases. Then I picked up the 24stitches an waste yarn plus 4 in the cast on sts between bottom and top. Iworked about 10 rows even then started decreasing. Viola one-toed socks.

PROJECT:BTTG Shawl
Your name:Cheryl Barnett
Your Ravelry name:Cheryl219
Yarn Used (what and how many yards):Knit Picks Gloss Lace (70% Merino, 30% Silk), 2.3Skeins, 1020 yards
Needle size used:US Size 2, 2.75 mm
Beads used:Clear Glass Miyuki Seed Beads, Size 8/0 throughout, Size 6/0 Clear AB for large beads, and 6/0 Silver-Lined instead of Megatama
Finished size of piece:Blocked - 60 inches wide, 30 inches deep
Comments about the project:Though I've been knitting forever, I am fairly new to lace knitting. I found this project easy to follow with clear directions and charts, and best of all, endlessly fascinating. Being a "mystery" KAL, it was so interesting to watch the design unfold, clue after clue; there was never a time when I was bored. On the contrary, I couldn't wait for the next installment. As a matter of fact, I can't wait for the next KAL! If I were to make this shawl again (and I might) I think I would use a size 3 needle to give it more of a "lacy" look.

PROJECT: BTTG shawl
Your name: Cynthia Peek
Your Ravelry name: femknit
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): Colourworks 50% cashmere 50% silk, 2128 yards to a cone, 2/28 weight. I used 65 grams of a 150-gram cone.
Needle size used: 2.75 mm (US Size 2)
Beads used: Fox Den Miyuki 10/0 triangles, 8/0 seeds and Lng Magatama
Gauge: 5 stitches/8 rows per inch
Finished size of piece: 52” wide x 25” deep
Comments about the project: There wasn’t a boring moment while knitting. The results are stunning, and the pattern is very well written. The tiny, matching beads add just the right amount of glitter without overpowering the shawl.

PROJECT: BTTG shawl
Your name: Dawn
Your Ravelry name: Dawnadair
Yarn Used: ColourMart Cashmere/Silk/Merino 2/28 NM Laceweight Verdoso
Needle size used: US 3
Beads used: 10/0blue-green lined crystal clear triangles, 8/0 pearl blue-green, crystal AB magatamas
Comments about the project: The end rows of this shawl were long, but it was well worth the work. I loved seeing the patterns appear and morph into other patterns as I knit. This is a stunning shawl, and I will be so proud to wear it!

PROJECT: Ferns in the Garden Socks
Your name: Dawn
Your Ravelry name: Dawnadair
Yarn Used: Knit One Crochet Too Ty-Dy Socks - 1 skein - used less than 400 yds
Needle size used: US 1
Comments about the project: These socks were so much fun, and they have gotten me on a sock craze. I have lots of sock yarn lined up for Andrea's sock patterns and any new ones she comes up with. The colors of my yarn are kind of crazy, but my daughter loves them anyway to wear with her Birks.

PROJECT: BTTG Shawl
Your name: Debby Patterson
Your Ravelry name: debbypat
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): Alpaca With A Twist Fino, 118 grams/~1050 yards
Needle size used: US 4
Beads used: Size 8 Raku beads
Finished size of piece: 72 inches across, 36 inches long at spine
Comments about the project: Great fun to knit!
Modelled by my friend's 16-year-old daughter Grace. That's what you get for showing up for church in a white dress.

PROJECT Back to the Garden Shawl
Your name: Gail Gelin
Your Ravelry name: cottontail
Blog URL: http://www.knocturnalknitter.blogspot.com/
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): Jaggerspun Zephyr lace weight sage
Needle size used: US 3
Beads used: Miyuki 10 seed beads olive lined AB
Finished size of piece
Comments about the project: Loved knitting it and the finished shawl. Thebeads are perfect for it and it is just the perfect size.

PROJECT:Peacocks in the Garden Mitts
Your name: Gayle
Your Ravelry name:Nitknitnit
Yarn Used (what and how many yards):Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn, Temple Turquoise, 107yards (25 grams)
Needle size used:1.5
Beads used:Turquoise AB – Beader’s Paradise 6/0
Gauge:8 stitches per inch
Finished size of piece:7 inches
Comments about the project:
I made these two at a time on two circulars and the only problem I had was that I accidentally started putting thumbs on both sides! Once I fixed that, everything was great and I got addicted to the pattern and finished the mitts in two days.

PROJECT: BTTG Shawl
Your name: Lara Downey
Your Ravelry name: larascreations
Blog url: http://www.larascreations.blogspot.com/
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): ~1100 yards Hand-dyed 2/28 cash/silk/merino
Needle size used: 3.0 mm
Beads used: 11/0 Gilt lined opal
Gauge: erm - I didn't measure for that ;-)Finished size of piece: ~68" x42" (center back)Comments about the project:
Fabulous fun, gorgeous design and thank you so very much for all the lovely extra knowledge and projects!

name: Mary Dieringer
ravelry name: Brocadelle
yarn: 2/28 coulormart merino
needles: size 2

name: Mary Rose
Your Ravelry name: marydear
Blog URL: http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): ColourMart 2/28 Merino in Primrose, less than a cone
Needle size used: US 2Beads used: Lots! Big ones and little ones and fancy ones.
Finished size of piece: Just right to wear
Comments about the project: Small semi-circle version as the pattern was originally written. My gauge was all over the place while knitting this, but it blocked out beautifully, if I do say so myself. :)

Your name: Mary Rose
Your Ravelry name: marydear
Blog URL: http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): ColourMart 2/15 Cashmere/Merino
Needle size used: US 6 and US 7
Beads used: Lots! Big ones and little ones and fancy ones.Gauge: 4.5 stitches to the inch
Finished size of piece: Enormous, just under 8 feet across
Comments about the project: I knew I wanted to make a full circle version and that I wanted to use up some of my "sexy" ColourMart stash to knit it. The color of this begged to be a Back to the Garden project,so even though it was much thicker than what the pattern called for I went ahead and gave in to the temptation to use it. This was great fun to knit and try to spy out individual elements: snakes, flowers, leaves, even garden elves if you look at it right!

Project : Elm Leaf Scarf
Your name: Mary Rose
Your Ravelry name: marydear
Blog URL: http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): Land O Lace silk Kayla
Needle size used: US 1
Beads used:size 10 seed beads clear
Comments about the project: Just one element from the main project takes on a completely different look when showcased on its own. I can't say enough nice things about the yarn either, this silk is gorgeous and very strong. It held up to some very aggressive blocking and kept that blocking through several teenage girl wearings. I have had requests from other teenage girls to knit this for them...I offered knitting lessons instead! Wonderful pattern as usual, Andrea. I can't wait to see what you come up with next!

Name Pam
Ravelry id bbykchr
no blog
shetland 2 ply, don't know amt
size 3 needle
tri 1815
size is 74 x 25
I added an extra segment (6 instead of 5)
Thanks for the fun knit!

PROJECT: Ferns in the Garden Socks
Your name: Pam Macchi
Your Ravelry name: pammacchi
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): Plymount Prima Alpaca 450 yards 100g 100% Superfine Alpaca
Needle size used: size 1 circular
Beads used: none
Gauge:Finished size of piece: 6 stitches = 1"
Comments about the project: The alpaca halo adds a new dimension to the lace pattern. They fit and feel great. I am enjoying experimenting with different yarns. It is a great pattern.
PROJECT: This is the Ferns in the Garden socks.
Your name: Pam Macchi
Your Ravelry name: pammacchi
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Soy Solids in Poppy Red. I purchased two skeins each 185 yards and had plenty left over. It is 49% bamboo, 33% soy and 21% elastic nylon. These socks are a pleasure to wear. They feel fantastic. The yarn is soft and comfortable.
Needle size used: size 1 circular.
Beads used: none
Gauge: 9 stitches = 1" Finished size of piece: Size 9 sock. It has stretch and fits like a glove.
Comments about the project: I started with Andrea to learn lace knitting. Once I got started reading all the e mails I felt this was for me. Learning other people's reactions to the yarn they are using is so totally valuable to me. This project was the best sock I have ever made. I used a circular even though one was not recommended. I commute to work and knit on my socks. I actually purchased a small projects bag. It is quilted with a zipper. It is perfect. Two weeks later, I purchased an eggplant Namaste Monroe and tuck the bag in the middle compartment. You couldn't do that with double pointed needles. I do the heel with a second circular needle. I have an 8" and 12" Addi size 1. I made myself learn how to do it. It is a piece of cake. I actually saw videos being sold at the Vogue Live LA show that teach it. I did it on my own. Just use markers. I am on my second set of Ferns in the Garden. I like making socks. Thank you Andrea for such a great pattern..

Your name: Pam Macchi
Your Ravelry name: pammacchi
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): Ella Rae Lace Merino, 100% Extra Fine Merino, 100 g 460 yards of fingering
Needle size used: Since the yarn was a little thicker than I expected I went up to a size 5.
Beads used: Gold Crystal AB I should have used a bigger bead - maybe. I think even though the smaller beads were a little difficult to apply that they were more delicate than a larger bead. Given all the color, I think a larger bead might have been gaudy.
Gauge: 6 stitches to 1"
Finished size of piece: 7 1/2 " wide and 55" long
Comments about the project: I told myself when I got started that I was going to experiment with yarns, needles and beads. Everything in this scarf was exciting. It is a varigated yarn. This is my first piece ever with a multi-colored (peach, pink, lavendar) yarn. I had worked with a brick kettle dyed but the colors were just variations of the brick. I decided this time not to be an 'old school' conservatist and the outcome was great. The gold beads are small so they pretty much blend in with the flower garden colors I picked. It is just enough added color to catch someon'e eye. I love it.

PROJECT BTTG shawl
Your name: Sara
Your Ravelry name: Azariah
Blog URL: http://azariah-anf.blogspot.com/
Yarn Used: Colour Mart 2/28 in a peacock color about 1300 yards
Needle size used: 3 US
Beads used: Size 10 triangles in forest green
Finished size of piece: 60" across top
Comments about the project: It was a fun and challenging knit, even for an accomplished lace knitter.

PROJECT mitts
Your name: Sara Greer
Your Ravelry name: Azariah
Blog URL: http://azariah-anf.blogspot.com/
Yarn Used: Hand Dyed Knit Picks Bare merino fingering 180 yards
Needle size used: 3.0mm
Beads used: Size 10 round clear with a sliver lining
Comments about the project: Nice and warm. Can't wait to use them! Really enjoyed the thumb.

PROJECT Elm scarf
Your name: Sara Greer
Your Ravelry name: Azariah
Blog URL: http://azariah-anf.blogspot.com/
Yarn Used: Hand dyed Knit Picks Bare yarn 100% merino Lace weight 250 yards
Needle size used: 1 1/2
Beads used: Size 8 in a red round
Finished size of piece: 10 inches wide by 53 inches long
Comments about the project: I worked 6 repeats from my cast on and then the edging. I then undid my provisional cast on and worked another 6 repeats and the edging again. This makes it symmetrical.
PROJECT socks
Your name: Sara Greer
Your Ravelry name: Azaraih
Blog URL: http://azariah-anf.blogspot.com/Yarn Used: Malabrigo
Yarn Lace in Jacinto about 350 yards
Needle size used: 3.0 mm
Comments about the project: This was the first pair of adult socks I completed. Thanks for such great basic instructions!

PROJECT Elm scarf
Your name: Dolores Aaron
Yarn Used: Azariah's Adventurous Fibre Lace in K-green, about 200 yards
Needle size used: 1 US
Beads used: Size 8 in round mixed greens
Finished size of piece: 9 inches wide by 51 inches long
Comments about the project: I worked 14 repeats and then the edgings. It was a very friendly project for my first time. Easy to block and enjoyable.

PROJECT: Baby Sock Tutorial - for ornaments
Your name: Sheila Macomber
Your Ravelry name: lacesheknits
Blog URL: N/A
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): 1) Araucania Rancho Solid in green ~ 15 yards, 2) Knit One Crochet Two Ty-Dy Sock in reds/pinks ~ 17 yards
Needle size used: 2
Beads used: none
Gauge: 8 sts per inch
Finished size of piece: 5" from top to toe
Comments about the project: I got the idea for ornaments from the tutorial instructions and am making baby sock ornaments for family and friends for the holidays. I plan to fill them with candy - very small candy!
PROJECT: Back to the Garden Shawl (semi-circular)
Your name: Sheila Macomber
Your Ravelry name: lacesheknits
Blog URL: N/A
Yarn Used: Knit Picks Shadow (Opal) 440 yds per 50 gm, 1100 yards
Needle size used: 3 (should have been a #4, I think, for more laciness)
Beads used: (All Miyuki) 8/0 Transparent Grey Iris, #5 Triangle Seedbead Iris Grey (Miyuki #1157), Magatama Metallic Rainbow Peacock
Gauge: 7 sts/1" ST, gauge swatch (pattern) 5" x 7"
Finished size of piece: Center back: 29", 58" widest point side to side, top edge: 55"
Comments about the project:I loved this project! It is such a fantastic pattern - ingenious, beautiful and well written and charted. It was so fun to not know what it would look like in the end and watch it unfold on the needles and in everyone's photos. The final piece was totally fulfilling. And I learned the right way to add beads with a crochet hook. I want to make another one some day - the full circle version, I think.
PROJECT:Peacocks in the Garden Mitts
Your name: Sheila Macomber
Your Ravelry name: lacesheknits
Blog URL: N/A Yarn Used: Knit Picks Shadow (Opal) 440 yds per 50 gm, 154 yards
Needle size used: 2
Beads used: (All Miyuki) 8/0 Transparent Grey Iris, #5 Triangle Seedbead Iris Grey (Miyuki #1157)
Gauge: 9 sts/inch on both ST sts and over pattern
Finished size of piece: Length: 6", Width at beginning: 7", Width at end (knuckles) 6.5"
Comments about the project: Another lovely pattern by Andrea! I used a finer yarn than specified and they are lacier. They fit a small hand, but would fit a larger hand with a more elastic bind off, such as the one she specified. It was too loose for my hand so I used a regular B.O. done loosely. I used triangel beads where she specified 8/0s and placed 8/0 beads where the nupps were and along the center pattern stitch (1 per rep) to the end, where I placed triangle beads on the back of the hand and 8/0 on the palm side.

PROJECT: Ferns in the Garden Socks
Your name: Sheila Macomber
Your Ravelry name: lacesheknits
Blog URL: N/A
Yarn Used: OnLine Supersocke 100 Cotton Tweed (#1387 green) 437 yds per 100 gm, 310 yards
Needle size used: 2
Beads used: none
Gauge: 8 sts/1"
Finished size of piece: Leg of sock 6" (12 pattern repeats), foot to fit size 9 (9.5" from end of toe to back of heel, blocked). Foot width 8", leg width 8.75"
Comments about the project: This is a really nice lace pattern. I have knit about 15 pairs of socks and these are one of the best ever. I had the sock yarn already, because I loved the color and tweed specs, and was waiting on a pattern. This pattern was perfect for it. I knit these very tightly over the foot section because I could not find my #1 needle (I do socks on the magic loop - 40" circular), otherwise, I would have switched at the heel to the smaller needle. I like the foot tighter and it wears better. I also did a conventional heel flap instead of the pattern also for wear sturdiness.

PROJECT: BTTG Shawl
Your name: Sue Elkind
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Yarn Used (what and how many yards): Skein yarn, approx 1000yds
Needle size used: US 4
Beads used: 8.0 Amethyst Medium Mix from Artbeads.com
Gauge: did not do a swatch =(
Comments about the project: Absolutely absorbing to knit as the pattern evolved and changed. Now I am spoiled and no longer want to do repetitive patterns where the same motif has to be knit over and over again. I truly cannot wait for the next BadCat project. I love the combination of mastery of new techniques and the challenge of learning and every single one of your (Andrea's) projects provide this.

PROJECT: BTTG shawl,
Your name: Annie Ham
Your Ravelry name: weaverannie
Blog URL: http://www.weaverannie.blogspot.com/

Yarn Used : an Estonian wool, that’s no longer for sale. I bought two skeins, and used only about half of the first. No idea about the length.
Needle size used: 2.5 mm
Beads used: stash. Don’t know about size or even where I got them.
Finished size of piece: 151 x 65 cm
Comments about the project: I loved knitting this pattern and am pleased with the result.

First Prize!
Second Prize!
Third Prize!
Fourth Prize!

Back to the Garden: needles are clicking!

2011-07-10T10:02:00.004-04:00

The summer group has been very active, with 112 knitters working in harmony on their projects as we watch the garden begin to bloom.
The photograph above shows a bit more than through Chart 2, with a detail shot of the merge between Charts 1 and 2 below. People have selected the most interesting yarns and beads to use and each piece will be unique! It is a lot of fun to watch. The Ravelry project page has many photos posted already, so if you are curious please take a look. Just select the link to your right (as of today it list 41 projects.)
People can feel free to join the project all summer long, and work at their own pace. Read the details here and please contact me if you have any questions.

I will leave you with a sunset on the Hudson River, taken from our sailboat on Haverstraw Bay. Knit on!

Metamorphosis Gallery!

2011-06-06T08:53:00.017-04:00

I am so exited to bring you an assortment of finished pieces from our Winter 2010 group project, which was called Metamorphosis. This is only a small selection of the many finished pieces, and you can see more of them on Ravelry:
Sweaters! Metamorphosis Shawls! Chrysalis Shawls! Cocoon Scarves!

In no particular order:
Dawn!
1) Project - Metamorphosis pullover
Your Name - Dawn Gayer
Your Ravelry name - Dawnadair
Yarn used - Mochas's Fiber Designs at TuckerWood Farms - BB Toes - London Fog
Beads used - 8/0 taupe lined crystal AB
Needle size used - US 4
Comments - The pullover was as much fun to make as the cardigan. Thanks for such a detailed and easy to follow pattern!
2) Project - Metamorphosis cardigan
Your Name - Dawn Gayer
Your Ravelry name - Dawnadair
Yarn used - Mochas's Fiber Designs at TuckerWood Farms - BB Toes - Alpine Lake
Beads used - 8/0 green lined light blue triangles
Needle size used - US 4
Comments - Loved this project! So many ways to individualize a sweater and such lovely patterns. Thanks Andrea & Jeri!
Jeri!
Project? (Sweater or shawl name) Metamorphosis Sweater #3
Your Name? Jeri Riggs
Your Ravelry name? Knitbird
Your blog address? www.jeririggs.blogspot.com
Yarn used? MadelineTosh Tosh Sock
Beads used? 6/0 AB clear
Needle size used? 6
Comments? Used A,B,C,D charts
Cara!
1) Project Metamorphosis shawl
Your Ravelry Stamax
Yarn used Colourmart 2/11 Alpaca/Merino (70/30) in Crudo
Beads used Miyuki Ceylon Light Yellow 8/0 for the body and 6/0 on the last row
Needle size used US 4
Comments I love this shawl, it is so beautiful.
2) Project Metamorphosis Cardigan
Your Ravelry name Stamax
Yarn used BB Toes from Mocha's Fiber Connection in Fern Gulley
Comments Not quite finished... but soon. I modified the border chart just a bit and added some shaping on the sides, I like the way it's turning out.
3) Project Metamorphosis Cardigan
Your Ravelry name Stamax
Yarn used BB Toes from Mocha's Fiber Connection in Horse Chestnut
Beads used
Needle size used?
Comments I learned so much with this project! I have enough yarn for 2 more sweaters and can't wait to get them started. Many, many thanks to Andrea and Jeri!

Annie!
Project: Metamorphosis sweater
Name: Annie Ham
Ravelry name: weaverannie
Blog address: http://weaverannie.blogspot.com
Yarns used: Yoke: Drops Baby Alpaca/Silk
For the rest: Lana Grossa Meilenweit Solo (With thanks to Sinaida, another group member, who sent me her left overs of this material, after knitting socks)
Dark red beads, used in the yoke only, as seen in the detail picture. Size not known.
I think I used needles 3.5 mm, but I finished knitting quite a while ago and am not sure, it’s probably in my project page on Ravelry (I hope...)
I really loved this project – thanks for all your and Jeri’s work!

Terri!
Project? Metamorphosis Shawl
Your Name? Terri Lynn Randolph
Your Ravelry name? Larkspur Studio
Your blog address? http://larkspur-studio@blogspot.com
Yarn used? Wolles Yarn Creations "Mega Skein" color: Khaki,865 yards, 1 50 gram skein of the color "Leaf" using 35 grams or 168 yards for a total of 1033 yds.
Beads used? Blue Moon 6/0 Mixed Khaki/Blues/Purples Matte Finish
Needle size used? US4
Comments: Modifications: I did ten repeats of the beginning instructions and chart B.� This gave a much longer/larger shawl and evened out the Wolle's Yarn Creation's color changing yarns effect. It started with gray khaki colors and moved into light green khaki colors. I had to modify the chart in the center of the last border, but it still came out so pretty! I so happy with the marriage of the pattern and yarn, it seems they were meant to be and customized for each other!

Kathleen!
Project? Metamorphosis Cardigan
Your Name? Kathleen Fitzgerald
Your Ravelry name? kfitz835
Ravelry Project Page? http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kfitz835/metamorphosis
Yarn used? Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine
Beads used? Size 6/0
Needle size used? 3.75mm Harmony Interchangeable Circs
Comments?
I couldn't put this project down! With Jeri's precise instructions for a wide range of sizes and Andrea's gorgeous lace, I have a beautifully fitting sweater that everyone comments on. Many thanks again to both of you. I'm making quick progress on a Pullover version now.

Pam!
1) Project? (Sweater or shawl name) The Cocoon Scarf or Stole
Your Ravelry name? pammacchi
Your blog address? http://www.ravelry.com/people/pammacchi
Yarn used? Misti Alpaca Lace Solids
Beads used?
Needle size used? US3

2) Project? (Sweater or shawl name) Metamorphosis Shawl
Your Ravelry name?pammacchi
Your blog address? http://www.ravelry.com/people/pammacchi
Yarn used? Elann Peruvian Baby Cashmere
Beads used? Dyna-Mites 8/0
Needle size used? US4

3) Project? (Sweater or shawl name) Chrysalis Shawl
Your Name? Pam Macchi
Your Ravelry name?pammacchi
Your blog address? http://www.ravelry.com/people/pammacchi
Yarn used? Elann Peruvian Baby Cashmere
Beads used? Dyna-Mites 8/0
Needle size used? US5

Sara!
Project Name? Princess
Your Name? Sara Greer
Your Ravelry name? Azariah
Your blog address?
Yarn used? Knit Picks Bare 100% merino dyed by me.
Beads used? Darcee 6/0 Silver lined clear
Needle size used? 7 US
Comments? This was the first sweater that I knit that was bigger than baby size. I loved it! The directions are great and the design is awesome and very tweakable. Note from BadCat: I was not able to rotate the second photo, so please forgive me.

Sue!
Project? (Sweater or shawl name) Metamorphosis Lace Sweater
Your Name? Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name? Monksqueedunk
Your blog address? none
Yarn used? Madeleine Tosh Eyre Light in Earl Grey Colorway
Beads used? Size 6 Matte Finish
Needle size used? US 6
Comments? This was an amazing project, incredibly well thought out, with many design and size options. Constituted a course in sweater knitting with ingenious raglan sleeves and transitions from one pattern to another. The one sweater class a lace knitter would ever need to take.

Mary!
1) Project: Metamorphosis Red Shawl
Your Name Mary
Your Ravelry name: marydear
Blog : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Yarn Used : Colourmart Cashmere/Cotton 3/15
Needle size used: US 5
Comments: WOW, all I can say is WOW about how the patterns morph exactly like the project name implies, from one to the next. Thank you for letting me knit along with you. I am really looking forward to our summer project!

2) Project: Metamorphosis Pullover the Second
Your Name Mary
Your Ravelry name: marydear
Blog : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Yarn used: Paton Lace in Patina
Beads used: Not on this one
Needle size used: US 4
Comments: Second go round with the pullover using Charts A, B, C and E.

3) Project: Metamorphosis Cardigan
Your Name Mary
Your Ravelry name: marydear
Blog : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Yarn used: Knit Picks Shadow held doubled
Beads used: Not on this one
Needle size used: US 4
Comments: Knit in tandem with my pullover-the-first, the cardigan version has been worn to work and got a ton of compliments, usually starting with "Where can I buy one of those?"

4) Project: Metamorphosis Pullover the First
Your Name Mary
Your Ravelry name: marydear
Blog : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Yarn used: Mochas Fibers BB Toes in Maine Blueberry
Beads used: Not on this one
Needle size used: US 4
Comments: I loved, loved, loved the worksheet that we used before getting started. This sweater fits TDQ perfectly and I usually don't get that when I knit for her, we run into the sleeves being too long or too short etc. Fantastically well written and charted pattern, what I have come to expect from a BadCat Designs knit! It was a pleasure to get to work with Jeri on a first time knit along and I look forward to what the two of you come up with next together and individually. Thank you for letting me play!

If you like what you see, both shawls and the scarf pattern are available at my Ravelry pattern shop, and the sweater ebook will be available very soon!

Moving right along, my Summer 2011 group project, Back to the Garden, is already enrolling and will begin swatching on June 21st. Details are here and everyone is welcome.!

What I Did on Spring Break...

2011-03-28T21:06:00.008-04:00

First I want to say hello and apologize for the long lag-time between posts. Life just gets in the way sometimes! Before you look at my travel pictures, please take a moment to answer my poll questions. I am pondering my next group project (summer 2011) and would love your input. Thanks so much! Warning. There is no knitting at all in this post. I took knitting away with me and I knit, but I can't show it to you. This sign caught my eye in the NYC airport after we got through security. I couldn't help myself...and I had a spindle in my shoulder bag. So we went away for 10 days to Florida. We have been to Florida before, but never to the Keys and never to the Everglades, so we set off to see stuff we had not previously seen.

Moonrise in Key Largo A sleeping gator at a stop along the road to Flamingo.

One of many sunsets in Key Largo.

A Strangler Fig up near Everglade City.

A Snowy Egret on the way to Key West.

Another sunset in Key Largo...

Yet another sunset in Key Largo...

And yet another sunset...in Key Largo...

I think this is a young Red Shouldered Hawk, but I could be wrong so feel free to set me straight.

Ah yes. Another sunset in Key Largo...

Tiger Key, a bit off Everglade City by small motor boat. No one else was there!

Tarpons smiling.

The super moon (next to a radio tower.)

Nest Key, close to Key Largo by sail boat. No one else was here either!

Local veggies for dinner (from a farm stand in Key Largo we found biking around.)

The wonderful Key Largo Tuesday evening knitting group, at DJ's Diner.

Back row from left to right: Ginny, Suzette, Marcia

Front row from left to right: Linda, Norine, Bridget These are the nicest women! They just made me feel right at home. If you are ever in Key Largo on a Tuesday evening go and say hello!

Janet from Maine, who also knits! We talked about the Webs sale...

Ibis at a stop along the road to Flamingo.

Hiding Gators in Shark Valley.

Hen and chick in Key Key West.

Relaxing in Key Largo.

Great Egret at a stop on the road to Flamingo.

Great Blue Heron near Everglade City.

Giant lobster on Overseas Highway south of Key Largo.

Female Anhinga at a stop along the road to Flamingo.

Everglade City...

Catalina 22 in Key Largo.

Key Largo!

BK paddles through the Mangroves near Key Largo.

Brown Pelican south of Key Largo.

BK on a Sunfish off Key Largo.

Awake Gator near Everglade City.

OK, I think this a another Red Shouldered Hawk but tell me if I am wrong!

Thanks for looking! I will be back in a week or so with more about the Metamorphosis wrap up and thoughts about Summer 2011. Until then, knit on!

Metamorphosis: The collection!

2011-03-05T14:56:00.007-05:00

Today I finally have some reasonable photographs of most of the Metamorphosis collection. The center of this project was our sweater, and here I have photos of BadKitten showing off the cardigan, knit by Jeri in the suggested BBToes yarn. Jeri used 6/0 crystal ab beads on the yoke and border of the bottom and sleeves. She used edging Chart D on both the sleeves and the bottom. BadKitten is going for casual and says the yarn feels wonderfully soft.

Jeri used four simple crystal buttons, which are a perfect match for the beads.
Jeri made this sweater to BadKittens measurements, and group members might recall that from our measurement tutorial. It fits her like a glove...
BK is ready to do her thing in this lovely cardigan. Note that Jeri made 3/4 sleeves on this version. The pattern allows for a sleeveless vest, 3/4 sleeves or long sleeves, at the knitters discretion.
What is missing here is the pullover version of the sweater, and my gorgeous purple version is just waiting for me to finish up the sleeve borders and block. I should have that ready for my next post.
Above is The Cocoon Scarf, which is another one of our Metamorphosis projects. This can be made in any size, from a dainty scarf to a large stole. My version was made using 2-ply merino lace weight hand dyed by my friend, Judith Gilbert. It reads as blue, but the color is a rich blend of blues, purples and browns.
Simple and easy to wear.
It is hard to see the stitch patterns here, but you can appreciate how delicate it is.
The next project from Metamorphosis that I want to share is The Chrysalis Shawl. This one is knit using 2/28 merino/silk from Colourmart, along with some 2.5mm silver-lined gray Ab triangle beads.
It is hard to capture the stitch patterns, beads and glow of the yarn in a picture.
It is a wisp of a shawl, and gossamer enough to use as a veil. It can be made as large as the knitter chooses.
Finally, I have some pictures of the Metamorphosis Shawl. This one is knit with 2-ply yarn that I spun myself, in a Shetland/silk blend. I used 6/0 crystal ab beads.
Maybe I will have some better light and do another round of photos in the near future, but I think this shows you each project. Please feel free to ask if you want more details. The Metamorphosis group is busy knitting, and all the project files have been posted. You are welcome to join if you want access to the patterns and our support. In a few months the patterns will be available at my Ravelry pattern store and at Jeri's Ravelry pattern store. Until then, join the group to get them!
Thanks for looking and I hope to be back soon with more pictures and fun. I am starting to think about a summer group and will try to include a poll in my next post, so I can get some ideas about projects from you! Until then, knit on!

Another Birthday Zooms Past...

2011-02-21T09:23:00.007-05:00

But certainly not un-celebrated! This year was a "big" birthday for me and my family had a wonderful party at ICE.

There were just 15 of us, mostly my family. We selected the menu and (with the help of several professionals) made dinner! Some of us also wore chef hats...

Here is my sister texting, not cooking...

Here is my brother and my mother making pasta...
Peter wielding a sharp knife...
My sweetie and brother browning butter...

My sister, Jeri and Bob working the pasta...

And here is BadKitten, flipping crepes! And then we sat down and ate it all.

A birthday never passes without dear friends giving me lovely and thoughtful gifts, and Sandra got me the English version of this gorgeous Estonian lace book. I have the Estonian version and love the charts and photos but always wanted to really read the text. It is the most charming book. She also got me a set of Blackthorn needles, which I have resisted up until now. I can't wait to cast-on with them. And some Optim fiber, which is merino that has been stretched to make it finer. Again, something I have never tried but always wanted to.

Some of my Thursday evening knitting friends gifted my with yarn. Clearly they know I like purple. Top right is plum Zephyr from Margret, bottom right is Lineapiu Camelot Melange and purple beads to match from Cara and bottom left is Phoebe/Mocha's Fiber, from Dawn. Three shawls waiting to be born!

Jeri got me blocking tiles!! She knows I have been using my old rug. And she made a gorgeous bag for me to store them in. These will be used in a few hours...

Several of us went on a little shopping trip and I managed to collect a few beads for my stash. Seriously, each tube was selected to match yarn that I have for a project. Really!

And to top it all off, The Metamorphosis Group had a virtual birthday party for me and Karen collected the posts and gave me this journal and a CD of matching music! It was really wonderful and I can't thank everyone enough. THANK YOU!

Next week I will be back to the business at hand, and that would be Metamorphosis. We have several finished objects to share and I hope to have all the project samples ready (with cheesecake shots) for that post. Until then, keep knitting!

Metamorphosis: onward!

2011-02-06T09:37:00.006-05:00

For the Metamorphosis Project, this week is all about edges!

Our first shawl project, The Metamorphosis Shawl, will be getting Chart D. You can see how that looks on my shawl above.

I used Chart E on my Metamorphosis Sweater pullover. We are blocking between the body and the sleeves to check fit and you can see Miss LucyFur has done her usual fine blocking job!
I used blocking wires, which allowed me to follow the curve of the waist shaping. I used t-pins for each point along the bottom edge.
Here is a close-up of the Chart E edge following Chart C on my sweater. I slip a piece of paper between the layers to help show the pattern off but the photograph is not really going it justice.

Finally, here is a peek at what the Chart F edge looks like. Above we can see F following Chart A with clusters, which is a chart I have not posted yet. We will be using this one with the next two shawl/stole projects, so consider this a sneak peek! More details about the piece above will be coming.

Next week we will be moving on to the sleeves and another shawl/stole project, so please feel free to join us if you think what we are working on looks interesting. Jeri and I are having a blast! All the information about joining us is right here. Plenty of people are still casting on and the files are excellent, so come on down!

Metamorphosis is evolving!

2011-01-31T19:06:00.004-05:00

This week we are moving onto Chart C, and for the Metamorphosis Shawl it looks like what you see above!

Here is a close-up of the Chart C pattern from my pullover sweater,

And a little more fabric here. This is the chart knit with both the cluster stitches and the beads. We are using this pattern below the bust and through the waist. Because of the dramatic clusters, the stitch pattern gives gentle waist shaping without any other effort. We also posted a whole series of insert charts, which we are using for hip shaping. Things are looking pretty fine!

We have our border comings next week, and for that we have three different options for our sweaters and the final chart for our first shawl. We will be sharing those three charts next weekend. After that, people working on sweaters will start their sleeves and people working on shawls will finish their first project and move on to their second project. There are two new stitch patterns coming (separate from the three borders) which we will combine with the patterns we already have. Just a ton more great knitting. Several group members have plans to start a second version of the sweater, without even taking a deep breath in between! And in case they are reading this, those two new stitch patterns can be used for their sweaters, as they each flow well from one to the next. You could add an extra stitch pattern within the yolk, just saying...

If you want to know more about our Metamorphosis Winter KAL just check out the tab at the top of my blog.

We have a huge amount of snow in the NYC area right now, and we are expecting another 6-9 inches, followed by a few inches of ice for good measure. I might not be able to get to work on Wednesday, which could mean a great knitting day, assuming I make it home from work on Tuesday. Now I just have to hope that all that ice doesn't take my power (and heat) out. I can knit in the dark, but not if my hands are cold...

Until next week, knit on!

Vogue Knitting Live: Stash Enhancement...

2011-01-24T19:11:00.008-05:00

But first, a little Metamorphosis update! This week we progress with our sweaters. Above you can see my raglan seam (with open ms) and below you can see the completed v-neck closure for the pullover. Both photos are while blocking, and I slipped a white sheet of paper in for a better look at the details.

On Sunday Jeri and I posted the second installment of the pattern, which takes us past the yoke and on to the body of the sweater. Below you can see how I tried on my sweater to confirm a perfect fit. It is hard to take a photograph without help, and with needles still in place. Please forgive the poor quality!
Next week we will be moving on to the next lace chart, which creates a little waist shaping. It is also the second chart for our first shawl. The group is great fun and you are welcome to join us as we explore sweaters and lace (in some serious detail!) All the information is here.

So I went to Vogue Knitting Live on Saturday. It was very freezing cold in NYC, but Margaret was willing to drive, so several of us went in style. It was really crowded and the light was not great, but that didn't stop me! This is who I got to see: starting from the left are Dawn, Cara, me, Margaret, Karen, Jeri and Pat. I also saw Judi, who is not in my picture. I did not see Sandra, Benita, Janet or Paula, despite looking for them! Karen and Pat actually took a class. Sandra, Benita, Janet and Paula took a few classes (which is probably why we didn't get to see them.) The rest of us were just yarn junkies...

I got a bag of Noro King for a new idea Jeri and I have been working on. It is a light fingering weight with a crisp feel (think raw silk.) The yardage is excellent, so the bag of 10 skeins will make a jacket for me.

I got some lovely natural black alpaca blended with natural dark brown merino. This is a heavy lace weight and really nice, with an earthy feel. I can't wait to play with it.

I got two little skeins of lace weight kid/silk just because the colors really grabbed me and are so shockingly pretty together. In a shocking way. I really love color in the winter.

I got a skein of the newish Noro lace to try out.

And I got two cakes of lace weight Merino from Windy Valley, which were on sale for a lovely price. The color is more lavender than pink, but the flash washed it out a bit. It feels devine knitted up (they had some sample garments.) What more can I say?

I'll try to be back next week with a Metamorphosis update, showing both sweater and shawl progress. Until then, knit on!

A New Year Means Lots of New Projects!

2011-01-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

First things first, Happy New Year! The end of last year roared right by me, and the beginning of 2011 has maintained the same crazy pace. I want to tell you all about the exciting Winter Project we have going on, but I have to introduce my new design first.

You can see the fabric detail well here, and appreciate the lovely glow of the silk.
This one premiered at TNNA with Jade Sapphire and is called Tea Leaves. I used two skeins of Jade Sapphire 2-ply silk/cashmere in the Tea Leaves colorway, along with some lovely Japanese jet lined amethyst ab seed beads. Check with shops that stock Jade Sapphire yarns for this pattern (or email Jade Sapphire to request a list of shops that stock the pattern.)
I also added Netsuke Wrap and Beaded Serpent Scarf to my Ravelry pattern store. I think I might have some other new designs ready for you very soon, but hold that thought!

The most exciting thing chez BadCat right now is Metamorphosis. You can see assorted swatches for this project above, thanks to my Thursday evening knitting friends. I suggest wine with your swatching. In case you missed the announcement for this great project, there is a special tab at the top of my blog with all the details. We will be casting on in a few days, but thus far we have measured ourselves for the sweater, discussed materials, fit and ease, and swatched a little.

Metamorphosis is a collaboration between Jeri Riggs and moi. Each knitter gets to choose a sweater size (and there are a wide array of size options (seven, to be exact) from a 34 inch chest on up.) Each knitter can choose between a cardigan or a pullover. Each knitter can choose the style of the raglan seam. Jeri is a remarkable engineer. There are bead options, stitch complexity options, peplum design options, different edging options, oodles of charts...and more. There are a total of three shawl/scarf designs also, which are really modular and can be made larger, smaller, thinner, wider, simpler or as ornate as you like! You can see the raglan seam options here.
This is an open version of the raglan seam with 8/0 beads...
And this is a closed version of the raglan seam with 6/0 beads!

This weekend we will be casting on for either a sweater or one (of the three) shawl designs. Yarn is actively being selected and you can see from my little pile of yarn that I plan on knitting a bunch! My sweater yarn is from Mocha's Fibers and is kettle dyed. I am really enjoying it. Below you can see the color I am using for my sweater, called London Fog. The tube of beads next to the skeins are Miyuki 8/0 lined ivory AB. You might also notice a cone of Colourmart 2/28 silk/merino and some Miyuki 10/0 triangles. This is for the second shawl design in the Metamorphosis series, details to come soon!
The first winter project shawl design, appropriately called The Metamorphosis shawl, uses the charts in the same order as our sweater. I knit my sample in 2-ply finger weight yarn that I spun from gorgeous fiber purchase at Rhinebeck this past fall. It is 80% Shetland and 20% silk and I used about 4.5 ounces of wonderfully prepared batts to get about 800 yards of yarn. The fiber came from Potosi Sheep Farm. Just a peak at how the shawl begins. Crystal ab 6/0 beads...
If you feel the temptation to join, this would be a great time to come over! See the details right here

I hope to find more blogging time in 2011, and especially to keep everyone up to date with progress on Metamorphosis. I will leave with you a little bit of heaven, represented by yarn to chase away your winter blues. It just doesn't get any better or brighter than this...

Let The KAL Begin...

2010-12-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

This winter my group knitting project is all about transformation. Transform your lace: We will be looking at how lace patterns can flow from one to another with grace. Transform your shawl: We will start with classic shawl construction and make a sweater. Really!

I have combined forces with my friend Jeri. You can read about her on her blog and see her current designs on Ravelry.

For the Metamorphosis project I designed a series of lace charts with all original motifs. We will use these charts to create several possible items, including three shawl designs and a wonderful sweater Jeri has especially designed for us. Shawl options include a top-down triangle, a tip-up triangle and a rectangle. Sweater options for either a button-down or V-neck sweater will be discussed. The sweater size is customizable, but will be presented with small, medium and large options in the pattern. Jeri will be available to help you consider customizing the fit of your sweater. The sweater is designed for sock weight yarn and the shawls can be made in any weight yarn the knitter chooses.

The lace motifs will be presented in charted form. The directions for the sweater and shawl constructions will be presented in step-by-step written format, with photographs illustrating the process. We will be starting the first week in January, with a worksheet to take measurements for the sweater. We will proceed to a discussion about gauge, using the worksheet to make calculations for your sweater. We hope to have an in-depth discussion about sweater sizes and the variety of shapes that we all come in, collecting some of your measurements so that Jeri can help people customize sizing. We will then discuss materials and cast-on for either the sweater or one of the shawl options (or cast-on a few things if you like!) Along the way we will discuss many techniques including making cluster stitches, adding beads, the provisional cast-on, seamless knitting construction, the art of selecting buttons and using stitch patterns as sweater shaping. Although the lace motifs include some complex stitch manipulations, each chart will also include a variation that omits those complex components, for knitters who prefer to skip them. Likewise, all beads are optional. If you have basic lace knitting skills, are willing to work with charts and feel a little adventurous this project will be a fun challenge for you. If you are an advanced lace knitter there will be plenty of techniques to keep your interest, plus an opportunity to learn about sweater construction and fit from an expert. If you are not sure please feel free to check in with me by email! BadCatDesigns@verizon.net

Jeri and I will both be present for group discussion. For those of you who have done groups with me before, you know the deal. For those who have not, a special YahooGroup has been set up for this project. You must have a Yahoo log-on to access the group, which is free. If you do not already have one, follow this link and make one! http://groups.yahoo.com/

All conversations about the project, project files and photographs will “live” at the group and you can access them at your convenience. All conversation will take place through the group email. Jeri and I will be available to present new files, reply to questions and generally support your success, plus have a lot of fun knitting and sharing. We will also be setting up an optional Ravelry group (for chat only) when we cast-on.

The group is opening 12/15/10 and the project will begin in early January. The project membership fee is $17. This is payable to badcatdesigns@verizon.net, via PayPal. If you need me to send you an invoice or have any other questions, please send me an email request with Metamorphosis in the subject line. Once payment is received, an invitation to the Metamorphosis group will be sent to you and you can join and introduce yourself!

Transform your lace in 2011. I promise that this will be a real treat and hope that you can join us!

Just in Time for a quick Thanksgiving Project...

2010-11-21T15:27:00.004-05:00

My Indian Corn Mitts pattern is now available at my Ravelry pattern store, and includes a copy of my Fingerless Mitts Tutorial!

A bird in the hand...and some mitts on your knitting needles! Now that is worth quite a bit.

I'll be back next week with sexy food photographs. I am making my Turkey with Mole sauce this year. My attitude about food is that you can put chocolate on anything and then serve it with a glass of good wine. Until then, knit on!

The Summer Swatch Me Gallery!

2010-11-06T10:45:00.001-04:00

At long last (and well in Autumn) I am totally delighted to be bring you our Summer Swatch Me photo gallery. Represented here are 24 knitters, from all over the world. Some knit the sampler alone, and some were actually able to keep pace with me as I knit through the summer. I am really impressed with the work displayed here, as I am sure you will be too! At the very end of the post I will present my Swatch Me Gallery prizes, which were selected by tossing everyone's name (one chance per project shown) in a hat and asking BadKitten to draw a first and my nephew Ben a second place. I wish I had a prize for each and every knitter who was generous enough to share their photographs with all of us! FYI, plans for our winter project are gestating and I think we have something quite unique for you, so keep an eye on my blog for updates, coming very soon. Without further fuss, and in no particular order (with details following photo(s))...
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn:Colourmart 3/20 silk/cotton color:HotSand
Needle Size:Knit Pics Harmony Size 6
Finished Size:14 ½ x 68
Beads:Japanese Glass Beads 6/0
Your name: Carol L
Your Ravelry name:carolpa
Comments:Great learning experience for me being new to knitting.Directions were precise and easy to follow.

Name of project: Summer Swatch Me Sampler Stole
Yarn: KnitPicks Shadow Kettle Dyed - colour Wilderness. Stole took at
total of 120g or 1056 yards.
Needle Size:3.5mm addi turbo lace
Finished Size: Pre-block: 14" by 55" with blocked: 23" by 74"
(5 repeats or centre knit over 78 sts: Edging = 375 sts each long side
(26x14 + 12) and 78 (14x5 +8) for each short side. )
Beads: 6/0 blue lined crystal (added extra row of beads on r6 of edging)...
Your name: teresat2t
Your Ravelry name: teresat2t
Comments: I had a lot of fun knitting and am absolutely thrilled that I
actually finished my summer project when it was still technically summer.
I enjoyed this summer group. I learned some new techniques/pattern and
gained valuable insight into the process of design.
To create my stole, I added some extra repeats for width and created a more
elaborate spacer pattern to give the extra length. The end product turned
out to be the perfect size.
Thanks BadCat - we are all looking forward to next summer.
Summer Swatch Me Photo Gallery
Name of project: Trailing Vine Mitts
Yarn: Wollmeise 100% in color Aquarius
Needle Size: US 2
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Name of project: Trail Socks
Yarn: Wollmeise Twin Indisch Rot
Needle Size: US 2
Finished Size: Male adult
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Comments:
Even though the lace might be thought of as feminine, Peter thinks of it as cooling off the socks so they can be worn in hot weather!

Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Jade Sapphire Silk/Cashmere 2-ply in Silver Fox
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size:
Beads: AB Silver lined magatamas
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Summer Swatch Me Photo Gallery
Name of project: Peacock Mitts
Yarn: Wollmeise 80/20 Twin in color Aquarius
Needle Size: US 2
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Summer Swatch Me Photo Gallery
Name of project: Lotus Hat
Yarn: Crystal Palace Mini Mochi
Needle Size: US 2
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk

Name of project: Lilac Stole
Yarn: Wollmeise Lacegarn, color Absinthe
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: Approximately 62" by 14"
Beads: Crystal 8.0 beads
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Name of project: Bad Cat Sock Tutorial
Yarn: Wollmeise 100% Spina di Pesce
Needle Size: US 1
Finished Size: Baby
Your name: Sue in CA
Your Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk
Comments:
These are adorable!! Can't wait to give them at baby shower coming up!
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Crystal Palace Alpaca Lace in Ecru
Needle Size: 2
Finished Size: 12 x 60
Beads: crystal bronze lined
Your name: Patty Mannion
Your Ravelry name: Patsen
Name of project: Vine Mitts
Yarn: Yarn Place Adagio
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size: Big enough...sorry forgot to measure it! :)
Beads: um, maybe?
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Stolen after the photo shoot by a greedy teen! I had a horrible time trying to match the mitts and ended up going fraternal and calling it a day!
Name of project: Heavy Weight Socks
Yarn: Mountain Colors Barefoot
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size: size 8 shoe
Beads: Nope
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Sneak Peak test knit, wonderfully warm and cozy socks for me! I didn't let the greedy teen look at these ones. :)
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Jade Sapphire 2 ply in Burnt Toast
Needle Size:US 4
Finished Size: Big enough...sorry forgot to measure it! :)
Beads: Nope, skipped them for this project.
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Fabulous project as usual! Knit this one along with the group.
Name of project: Light Socks
Yarn: Lorna's Laces
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size: size 8 shoe
Beads: Nope, skipped them for this project.
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Sneaky socks that the greedy teen didn't see, in fact they are on my feet right now! :)
Name of project: Falling Leaf Cowl
Yarn: Art Yarns Silk/Mohair
Needle Size:US 5
Finished Size: Big enough...sorry forgot to measure it! :)
Beads: Big 'ens and Little 'ens
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Soft, silky, drapey, just what a gal needs around her neck! Test knit before the group had a chance to even peak at it which was very exciting in itself. :)
Name of project: Champagne Hug
Yarn: Jade Sapphire 2 ply in Plum Crazy
Needle Size:US 4
Finished Size: Bust size 36
Beads: Nope, skipped them for this project.
Your name: Mary
Blog URL : http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: Marydear
Comments: Another "with the group" project, instantly claimed by a needy teenager who needed a hug!

The collection above is from Malle, in Estonia:
Traveling Leaf Mitts and Fountain Mitts:
yarn Schachenmayr Micro Bamboo and needles 2,0.
Trail Socks:
Yarn Schoeller Stahl and 3,0 needles
Falling Leaf Cowl:
Needles 3,5 and 100% Superwash Merino yarn.
Thank you for this wonderful group for the summer.I hope that it would soon be a new group.

Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Snowshoe Farm Alapaca Fingering Weight in Natural
Needle Size: 5
Finished Size: 14 inches x 74 inches
Beads: None
Your name: Karen
Your blog URL: www.yointhehouse.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: Karent
Comments: I decided to omit the beads because the yarn had such a natural organic feel to it and I couldn't find any beads that would compliment it.
Name of project: Ariel’s Lotus Hat
Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun in Pink Please
Needle Size: 6
Finished Size:
Beads: None
Your name: Karen
Your blog URL: www.yointhehouse.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: Karent
Comments: I wanted to try a pattern in worsted weight so I cast on 6 of the 15 stitch repeats from the hat pattern. When it came time to shape the crown, I worked a decrease row and then a plain row through the patterned part and as soon as I got to the plain knitting, I just worked decrease rows. And I do like the tassel.
Name of project: Summer SwatchMe Sampler Sweater
Yarn:Great Adirondack Egyptian Cotton, 1000 yards ( 2 skeins)
Needle Size:5
Finished Size: size 38 chest, back length 25inches
Beads:none. Antique Czech pressed Glass buttons
Your name: Jeri Riggs
Your blog URL:www.jeririggs.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: Knitbird
Comments: A top-down ,set-in sleeve, seamless sweater incorporating all 9 lace patterns.This was a delight to make because of the marvelous lace patterns designed by Andrea. Thanks!
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: ColourMart Cashmere/Silk/Merino 2/28NM Laceweight (held double)
Needle Size: 4 (3.5mm)
Finished Size: 66 in x 12 in
Beads: TOHO Round 8/0 Silver Lined Crystal from Artbeads.com
Your name: Heather P (LambChop00)

Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace, in Polar Morn colour
Needle Size: US 4 = 3.5mm
Finished Size: 16 x 75inches (41 x 190cm)
Beads:Silver #8 beads, invisible in the photo’s and really hard to detect in real life too!
Your name: Gerda Bolton
Your blog URL: http://gerdasblog.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: GerdaFL
Comments: I loved knitting this and will definitely re-use some of the patterns for other things!
Yarn: Alpaca With a Twist (doubled) - First Frost
Needles: Size 5
Beads: Gold (no idea what kind - found them in my stash!)
Ravelry Name: Debola
Real Name: Debra Fassler
Comments: This is my second on-line KAL with Andrea - they're too much fun! I also recruited a couple of knitter friends to join me - they're enjoying it too! Can't wait till the next one!

Name of project: sampler
Yarn: Colourmart 2/15NM 4 ply wt 30/70 cashmere/merino mushroom, about 800 yards
Needle Size: 4
Finished Size: Approximately 16 x 70
Beads: Miyuki 8/0 triangle beads in dark green lined transparent green AB
Your name: Dawnadair
Your blog URL:
Your Ravelry name: Dawnadair
Comments: Thank you so much, Andrea! I had lots of fun knitting the sampler and planning my yarn and beads for future projects. It was always exciting waiting for Sunday to come along to see what you had up your sleeve next. As always, I look forward to knitting more of your lovely designs. The only difficult question is...which one next?

Name of project: Lilac Stole
Yarn: Elann.com Silken Kydd - Pewter, 70% Super Kid Mohair/30% Silk, @580 yards
Needle Size: 4
Finished Size: 60" x 17 "
Beads: Japanese 8/0 Silver Lined Crystal AB
Your name: Dawnadair
Your blog URL:
Your Ravelry name: Dawnadair
Comments: This shawl pattern is gorgeous! I did only 20 repeats of pattern A since my yarn was a bit more heavier than the Art Yarns silk mohair yarn. I wanted to use a size 5 needle for the border but didn't have one handy, so I knitted very loosely with the size 4 needle I had been using. Love the thick border. As Andrea advised, using blocking wires through each "leg" of the garter stitch border of the shawl body formed what look like beautiful little "picots" along the edge. Thanks, Andrea, for the lovely pattern!
Name of project: Falling Leaf Cowl
Yarn: Artyarns Silk Mohair - Marine, 300 yards
Needle Size: 4
Finished Size:
Beads: Japanese 8/0 Silver Lined Teal
Your name: Dawnadair
Your blog URL:
Your Ravelry name: Dawnadair
Comments: This project was an absolute delight! I was so excited as I was knitting it and am thrilled with the finished product, although perhaps I could have blocked it a bit more flat. Thank you, thank you, thank you (as always) for your fantastic patterns and for sharing them with me!
Name of project: Champagne Hug
Yarn: Colourmart 2/15NM 4 ply wt 30/70 cashmere/merino mushroom, about 400 yards?
Needle Size: 4
Finished Size:
Beads: Miyuki 8/0 triangle beads in bronze lined transparent aqua
Your name: Dawnadair
Your blog URL:
Your Ravelry name: Dawnadair
Comments: A finished photo is attached.
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Cascade Heritage Paints Colorway #9928 2 skeins=874 yards
Needle Size: US #4 (3.5mm)
Finished Size: 63" x 16"
Beads: eebeads.com #J-3836 Triangle SL Crystal 8/0
Your name: Cindy Harrison
Your blog URL: http://www.cindyharrison.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: dcharrison
Comments: I did 5 repeats. This is my first time at doing lace as well as
beads. It didn't quite take the complete 2 skeins of yarn.
Name of project: Lace Sampler 2
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace, in Apricot
Needle Size: US4
Finished Size: 12” x 58”
Beads: Earthfaire Dark Peach Lined Crystal AB (8/0)
Your name: Catherine Paul
Your blog URL: http://furyblog.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: Isis
Comments: What a fun and educational project—and the final product is lovely!
Name of project: Lace Sampler 1
Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns, Silky Alpaca Lace, color 2416 (natural)
Needle Size: US3
Finished Size: 13” x 51”
Beads: Earthfaire 5/6 Crystal (8/0)
Your name: Catherine Paul
Your blog URL: http://furyblog.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: Isis
Comments: I enjoyed how differently these two yarns worked up, and seeing the variances in how the projects turned out.
Yarn: Ella Mae
Needle size: 4
Finished size: point to point 10"x35"
Beads: 10 hand crafted glass Chech beads and Size 8 Peach Opal color glass beads
Carol Brydon Koford
Name of project:vine mitts
Yarn: Mini Mochi
Needle Size: US 1
Finished Size: Small/Medium
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Traveling Leaves Mitts
Yarn:Colourmart 2/9 Yak/Mohair/Silk/Merino
Needle Size: US 1
Finished Size: Small
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Comments: Another beautiful mitt pattern. This Colourmart yarn is also nice, very earthy feel.
Name of project: Trails Socks
Yarn:Schoppel Wolle Admiral 6 fach ombre
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size:Small/Medium
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Colourmart 2/12 Cashmere Undyed
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: 16 x 66 inches
Beads: Gold lined beige AB finish
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Comments: A lovely sampler to knit and the finished piece is so beautiful. Thank you Andrea for such o wonderful project. The yarn turned out nice in the end. It took a lot of washing before use, but is really soft with nice stitch definition.
I have enjoyed these patterns so much. Even though I have a list/stack of other things to knit, I keep starting something new with a Summer Swatch Me connection. I have attached an in process picture of my Reverse Pod Scarf, just for fun. I love the way it's turning out. I have knitted about 70 g of my 100 g of fiber and the scarf is about 48" long and may be about 8" wide after blocking. I am going to keep knitting on this one!
Name of project: Peacock Mitts
Yarn: Knitpicks Merino Silk Fingering Hand dyed
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size: Small/Medium
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Lotus Hat
Yarn: Mini Mochi
Needle Size: US 2
Finished Size: large
Your name as you want it to appear: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Fountain Scarf
Yarn: Rowan Kid Silk Haze
Needle Size: US 5
Finished Size: 6 x 56 inches
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Fountain Mitts
Yarn:Colourmart 12/58s Cashmere/Silk/Merino
Needle Size:US 1
Finished Size: Small
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Comments:I love this pattern for mitts! The yarn is nice, also. It has a very nice sheen and weight

Name of project: Design Your Own Stole
Yarn: Colourmart 4/28 Cashmere
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: 15 x 50 inches
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Comments:I started with a provisional cast on and worked from the center back out with the Peacock Pattern as the center motif and mirrored Traveling Leaves on either side. I finished each end with the Jewel of the Sea Border without a garter ridge. I then picked up along each long side and worked one repeat of the Jewel of the Sea Border on one side and three repeats on the other.
Name of project: Champagne Hug
Yarn:Jade Sapphire Cashmere 2 ply
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: Added one pattern repeat to the width
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Broken Leaves Hug
Yarn: Great Andirondack Sock yarn
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: Added one pattern repeat to width
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Broken Leaves Hat
Yarn: Mini Mochi
Needle Size: 2
Your name: Cara
Your Ravelry name: Stamax
Name of project: Summer Swatch Me! Water Bottle Cozy
Yarn: Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids #4 Ecru
Needle Size: US 3 - 3.25 mm
Finished Size: fits32 oz/1liter Rubbermaid water bottle
Beads:none
Your Name:Jean
Your Ravelry name: Cali1951
Name of project: Summer Swatch Me! Sampler
Yarn:: Colourmart 2/15NM 4ply wt 30/70 cashmere/merinoItalian spun, by Lanecardate
Needle Size: US 4 - 3.5 mm
Finished Size: approx 70” X 16”
Beads:: Silver Miyuki 8g 1.8mm Transparent Silver-Lined Clear Square Cut Beads
Your Name :Jean
Your Ravelry name:: Cali1951
Comments:: Mods: 1 extra repeat widthwise
1 extra repeat of chart 1
1 extra repeat of chart 2
1 extra repeat of chart 3
Only 6 repeats of chart 6 (oops I goofed)
1 extra repeat of chart 8

Name of project: Summer Swatch Me Peacock Mitts
Yarn:: Universal Yarn Swiss Mohair color Glacier
Needle Size: US 2 - 2.75 mm
Finished Size:
Beads:: Silver lined Crystal beads #8
Your Name :Jean
Your Ravelry name:: Cali1951

Comment from BadCat: LucyFur wants to meet your model...

Name of project: Sampler table runner
Yarn Web's Valley Cotton 5/2
Needle size US #4
Finished size 60" by 14"
Beads none
Bev (in AR)
Ravelry name greyhoundlover
Comments: I wanted to make the sampler as a table runner. That caused me to make some changes. I increased the width by one repeat and decreased the length of each pattern, so that there were about 40 rows plus spacer for each pattern. My table is 60" long and I just made it! It just fits.
Thank you for accomodating me with my check. I have enjoyed this summer of knitting, even though I didn't finish any other project. I do intend to do some others, hopefully for Christmas presents.
This is called Knit 2 Together as this is a KAL with my Mum. The yarn I used is a merino and tencel laceweight undyed, that Mum dyed for me a variegated lilac. I used 3mm needles and the beads we found in a charity shop, so I have no idea what brand they are, but they cost me 20p and matched beautifully, the finished size was 60" x 17". My Ravelry name is Rhinny. I knit this while in hospital for almost 4 months, and this really kept me going throughout it all. There were quite a few mistakes that needed redoing and Mum says it has more fudge than a sweetie shop! I really enjoyed doing this, the patterns were lovely to knit and I really looked forward to getting them each week, even if I wasn't well enough to knit at the time, it was lovely just seeing what was coming up next to do. The cast off took me a whole day, but was worth it. I only learned to knit at the beginning of the year, I couldn't even do simple rib, but i am so proud of myself to have finished this.

The name of this project is Knit 2 Together as I have done this as a KAL with my daughter. I have always wanted to make a sampler, so this was the perfect summer project for me. I used Decadently dark faded lace in daffodil, on 3.5mm needles. The beads I picked up at a chaity shop for 20 pence, the matched really well, and I would say they were a size 4mm, and i had just enough to complete the project. It finished up 65" x 16" in size, but I think i could have blocked more aggressively and made this much bigger, but I like it this size, it compliments the lace beautifully, My Ravelry name is adellar, but I am an Annie! This project has meant so much to me, I spent a tremendous amount of time with my daughter in hospital,( I taught her to knit at the beginning of the year, literally the basics), and we both made this together. To watch her skills grow and develop and her perserverance through some really difficult times made me so proud, she carried on knitting, and we waited so eagerly for the next sampler to appear. I also thouroughly enjoyed the knitting and learning for myself, I never thought i could make something so beautiful. This shawl will always be so special to me for this and something I will always treasure, thank you Andrea.

Name of project: SAMPLER
Yarn: malabrigo lace color 44 - Geranio
Needle Size: US 4
Finished Size: 70”x12,5”
Beads: Megatamas Smoky Amethist A – fuchsia linead from Earthfaire.com
Your name: NinaPaula
Your Ravelry name: NinaPaula
Comments:
-I worked with 4 repetitions of the patterns for a wider piece.
-I had a great time participating in this SSMe KAL. Highlights for: the project’s details prior the launch; the way that the weekly patterns & projects were presented (including tutorials); Andrea’s participation (answering all the questions right away & encouraging the participants); the group’s participation (sharing experiences; clarifying questions); and the project’s pics shared during the process. Those points were a key in my experience on this KAL.
Name of project: Trail Socks
Yarn: littlelotus bamboo sock
Needle Size: 2.75 mm
Your name: Amanda
Your blog URL: http://paradisefoundkerrie.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: AmandavW
Name of project: Sampler
Yarn: Australian Country Spinners 3ply pure wool
Needle Size: 3.5 mm
Finished Size: 91 cm x 137 cm
Beads: Miyuki Triangle 8/0 Amethyst Lined Light Blue
Your name: Amanda
Your blog URL: http://paradisefoundkerrie.blogspot.com
Your Ravelry name: AmandavW

Name of project: Lilac Stole
Yarn: ColourMart Cashmere Merino 2/14.5NM
Needle Size: 3.5mm
Finished Size: 223.5cm x 40.6 cm
Beads: Seed Bead Red AB 8/0
Your name: Amanda
Your blog URL: http://paradisefoundkerrie.blogspot.com/
Your Ravelry name: AmandavW

And now about those Gallery prizes...you just won't believe this (because I didn't) but BadKitten picked our first prize, which goes to Annie...
And second prize, picked by my nephew Ben, Goes to Rhinny!
If you read their entries in the gallery, you can see that they are mother and daughter from the UK and they worked on the project together. My sister-in-law, who is visiting me right now, is taking bio-statistics so is calculating the odds of this for me!

Thanks to every knitter included in the gallery. You are all amazing! I hope to see all of you for the up-coming winter lace gala, not to be believed it will be so interesting and fun, BadCat and special guest group project. Just wait...I will post more about it next week!

The Midtown Manhatten Bead Crawl...

2010-09-18T19:00:00.002-04:00

Do you ever find yourself between a train at Grand Central and a train at Penn Station, with an hour or two to spare? You know that I do! You could shop for clothing or souvenirs. You could see the sights around Times Square (which is now a Disney version of its former edgy self.) You could eat. Or you could shop for beads, which is my usual favored option. If you are starting at Grand Central, walk west on 42nd Street until Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas.) Turn left (south) on Sixth and walk:
1) Stop one is Bead Empire (1032 Sixth Ave between 38th and 39th,) where you will find a good selection of Japanese seed beads, including 8/0 in many finishes. They have Matsunos and also some cheaper ones. You can't always tell, so look at them with care!
2) Stop two is Fun to Bead (1028 Sixth Ave between 38th and 39th.) The have all sorts of strands upstairs, but if you go downstairs they have a wall of small tubes of Matsuno beads for a good price (especially if you just want a small package.)
3)M&J trimming (1008 Sixth Ave) is stop three, which has some hanks of Czech seed beads, but more importantly has more trim and buttons then you will know what to do with. Way fun.
4)Stop four is Toho Shoji (990 Sixth Ave between 36th and 37th.) They have large packs of Mastuno beads and smaller packs of Miyuki beads, in many sizes, finishes and shapes. They also have findings and crystals and other goodness. This one is a favorite of mine.

If you have time for yet more, turn around and go north again on Sixth and hang a right (east) on 37th. As you walk east you will see a slew of shops that stock beads and trimming, so explore! Here are some I have shopped at:
5)Margola, at 48 west 37th, has a wall of Czech hanks. You have to buy the entire hank, so be warned! If you go all the way in, you will see a small wall of seed beads in large tubes. They have some nice 8/0s with pretty finishes, for not much money.
6)City Beads, at 15 west 37th, has a huge selection of Delicas in all sizes and MANY finishes. They are not cheap, but they are not bad for Delicas, and it is cool to see such a nice selection.
7)York, at 10 west 37th, is a tiny shop STUFFED with strands of all sorts of lovely beads. Most are Czech, including hanks of 8/0 3-cuts and other nifty stuff.
8)Phoenix Stone and Beads, at 5 west 37th, had really big bags of seed beads for very little money, in case you want to re-sell. They also have many interesting strands.
You really can't have too many beads, right? The fashion district is full of great shops for beads, buttons and trims. Feel free to add your favorite midtown bead shops in the comments section. Until next time, knit on (with beads!)

Summer Swatch Me: Wrapping up Loose Ends!

2010-09-07T15:28:00.004-04:00

We are finishing up the Summer Swatch Me group project this week, with a special packet of ideas about using our Swatch Me stitch patterns to design our own unique stoles. I am posting some general directions and concept charts in our group files today. I really can't wait to see what group members come up with. The Summer Swatch Me project includes so many talented and generous knitters, it has been a real pleasure to host you all. In a few weeks I will present a gallery of Summer Swatch Me Photographs from group members. I hope that everyone will be in the mood to share their work! To encourage this big group share, I am offering up some small goodies. For each project a group member photographs and shares with me, their name will go into my hat once. Send me a picture of five projects, and your name goes into the hat five times! Details will be posted to the group, so look out for that email. First prize will be two skeins of Madil Kid Seta in a melange of browns(420 yards total) plus about 10 grams of matching beads and a special coordinating origami star, courtesy of BadKitten. This is enough for a double wide Fountain Scarf, or any other scarf you choose!

Second prize is one skein of Crystal Palace Kid Merino in the Wild Clover color(221 yards) plus about 7 grams of matching beads and a special coordinating origami interlocking squares, courtesy of BadKitten. This is enough for a Fountain Scarf, or any other scarf that you like. All Summer Swatch Me group members are welcome to join and I will ship anywhere, so look out for the group email and start sending your photographs!

I look forward to another few weeks of Summer Swatch Me fun, as we design our own stoles and finish up projects. I will be back next weekend with a post about shopping for beads in New York City. Until then, knit on!

Summer Swatch Me week 12!

2010-09-01T11:45:00.003-04:00

This week our Summer Swatch Me focus is on pattern manipulation. There are a few simple ways one can take a stitch pattern and modify it for very different effects. We played with some of these simple manipulations already. With stitch pattern 8, I used garter stitch instead of stockinette stitch to give a different look. The first way I manipulated our stitch patterns was to mirror them, as we saw in some of our mitt patterns and both sock patterns. Stitch patterns 3, 5, 7 and 9 can all be mirrored with ease. One can use this technique for a "right and left" purpose as I did for mitts and socks, and also for the look you see above. This photo shows stitch pattern 9 and its mirror, side-by-side. Both our special patterns this week use stitch pattern 9 and its mirror. A third way to modify our stitch patterns in by changing their size, which I use for the border of our first project today. The final photo in this post will really show you what I mean by changing the size of a pattern, to the extreme...

First, we have the Lilac Stole. This piece is knit using ArtYarns Silk Mohair and some 8/0 beads. The yarn has the drape of silk and the froth of kid mohair, making a lovely wisp of a stole. I use stitch pattern 9 and its mirror for the body of the stole and stitch pattern 6 for the border, but in a larger format than the 14 stitch repeat we used for our sampler.

The border runs along the bottom edge of the piece only, and creates points using increases in the final section. The main section also scallops, so the side edges have points too.

This piece is romantic and dressy and really lovely to wear!

You can see the bead detail below, along with just how gossamer this fabric is...

The second special project this week is called Falling Leaf Cowl, also using ArtYarns Silk Mohair and 8/0 beads.

For this piece I used stitch pattern 9 and its mirror, along with inserts to create the shoulder shaping.

This piece is also very romantic, but not so formal, looking good with both jeans and something a bit more dressy

Finally, I want to show you something I am working on, which uses a super-sized version of stitch pattern 9 for a really different look! Much more bold modern...

I am posting the patterns for Lilac Stole and Leaf Cowl at the Summer Swatch Me Group today. Both patterns are also available in my Ravelry Pattern Store, for immediate download, in case you missed joining my summer group this year.

I will be back next week with more Summer Swatch Me fun, including ideas to design your own stole with the charts we used this summer and details of my Summer Swatch Me gallery post contest! Stay tuned and knit on!

Summer Swatch Me Week 11!

2010-08-22T22:29:00.001-04:00

The Summer Swatch Me Sampler is a done deal! Several knitters from our group have already blocked and are sharing their photos as I type. Many more are still working on their samplers, so it will be a few weeks before we have a group post to share all the projects.

You can see the last few stitch patterns in the photo above, and the first few in the photo below.

And some details in the photo below...

And a close-up of the border below, showing the bead placement.

The photo below shows how I suggest you block your sampler. Use the finished dimensions in the pattern directions as a guide. Weave in your ends to the wrong side, but do not clip them. Soak your piece in cool water, giving it a wash with soap if needed. Follow the general care guidelines for the yarn you used. Be sure the piece is rinsed well and totally wet. Press out the excess water and roll in a towel. Lay flat and pin out each point (where there is a bead there is a point!) Make sure to work evenly, using a ruler if needed to achieve the suggested blocking dimensions. If you used a different gauge/yarn/needles just block to your chosen dimensions. Leave the piece alone until totally dry. Remove the pins carefully, clip the ends and enjoy!

Here is my sampler blocking, and you can see how I dealt with the points and the corners.

The winner of the little blue skein of handspun yarn is LambChop (Heather) and her skein will be in the mail tomorrow! I'll be back in a few days with more Summer Swatch Me fun. Until then, Knit on!

Summer Swatch Me Week 10!

2010-08-22T10:13:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone! This is just a quick update with news that the Swatch Me Group has started on the sampler border. The chart was posted on Sunday and several people have already completed their samplers! Photos have started to appear and I can't wait to see all the various yarns and how each one blocks out. I will keep this week short and sweet (and quite late) but I will be back on Friday with a longer post, including blocking directions and finished photos, along with the winner of my little skein give-away from last week.

I plan another little "raffle" to celebrate the end of our summer group project. We are not at the end yet, but in preparation I want to warn all my group members that we will be having a large group blog post, where I can showcase all your work. I hope many of you will participate. It means you send me photos of your finished work, along with your project specs. For every finished project that you send me a photo of, I put your name in the raffle one time. All the photos that you send become part of the final summer post. Stand by for details!

Until Friday, knit on!

Summer Swatch Me Week 9!

2010-08-15T10:43:00.008-04:00

At long last, we have come to the final stitch pattern for the Summer Swatch Me Sampler. This week, we have Traveling Leaf. Most group members will be adding this stitch pattern to their samplers, and next week we will move on to our border pattern, which should be fun. This stitch pattern is one of my favorites. We have two side projects this week! Number one is Traveling Leaf Mitts, which are made using Land O Lace Kabob, in the Ramsey colorway. This yarn is delightfully springy and fun to knit with. These mitts are very well fitted, with a subtle beaded edge and a thumb gusset.
They keep your hands warm without getting in the way, so you can write, knit or play your guitar in style!
Plus, they look great! These have the BadKitten teenage stamp of approval...
We also have a quick, one skein scarf. You can use any of the Summer Swatch Me stitch patterns for a scarf, but I put a little pattern together using this stitch pattern and one skein of Crystal Palace Kid Merino, in the colorway Plum Tones.
My final bookmark for this project, the Traveling Leaf Bookmark, is shown above using one more skein of my FiberOptics handspun. I have one more skein left of the spindle-spun yarn I made for this project, plus the little bits you see below. The picture is a bit funky, but the remaining skein is about 30 yards of lace weight, spindle-spun by me from FiberOptics fiber. It is blues and black (darker than the picture) and is spun so that is will stripe with long repeats (like the bookmark above.) I spin pretty well, so the yarn is even and balanced. It is enough for a bookmark, a pretty swatch or just to play with. Would you like my last little skein? Well, I want to know how many people are actually paying attention! All you have to do is leave a comment. Be sure you include your email address in your comment, so I can contact you if you win. I will take each comment, throw it in a hat and have BadKitten pull one winner out for me. I will ship anywhere, so your location doesn't matter!
I'll be back next week with our sampler border. Until then, happy knitting!

Summer Swatch Me week 8!

2010-08-08T19:38:00.007-04:00

Happy Sunday! We are on our second to last stitch pattern for the Summer Swatch Me project and this week's stitch pattern is called Champagne. Most of our group members will be adding this stitch pattern to their samplers. Look who is home! And not a moment too soon, because it was really hard to photograph this one without my model. I call this the Champagne Hug. This was made using one skein of Jade Sapphire 2-ply 100% Mongolian Cashmere, in the Lichen or Not colorway. You can't see the beads in the photographs, but there are silver lined teal ab beads sprinkled throughout.
You can wear this piece a few different way and it looks pretty elegant from all the angles. The pattern for this is more of a recipe, with direction to customize for a perfect fit. Any of our Summer Swatch Me stitch patterns can be used.
I have been playing with our stitch patterns in these "side projects" and this week is no exception. The stitch pattern for the sampler is worked with a stockinette stitch ground, but for the hug I used a garter stitch ground. This works well with some stitch patterns and not so well with others. I think it works very well with this stitch pattern, and I invite you to swatch some of our other stitch patterns to see what you get!
Here you can see my Champagne Bookmark, for those group members working on bookmarks. Again, I used some handspun from my FiberOptics collection.

Do you like what you see? You can still join my Summer Swatch Me group. Read the details here. We have one more stitch pattern next week, a border for the sampler the following week and then a bunch of weeks focused on playing with our stitch patterns. We will do some pattern manipulations and discuss designing a unique stole using our various stitch patterns and manipulations. I will be sharing charts for several other projects, including a cowl and two full stoles, plus charts for alternate stole centers and goodness know what else I will come up with between now and then. I better go knit...

Summer Swatch Me Week 7!

2010-08-01T17:30:00.001-04:00

Happy August to everyone. I am pleased to report that the weather here in New York is much more comfortable this week, improving the quality of my knitting time immensely! I hope the same is true for all of you. Our Summer Swatch Me stitch pattern this week is Reverse Pod. You'd think I could some up with a better name for this lovely pattern, eh? I figure some of you are ready to add this right on to your samplers...so the chart has been posted to our group.

Before I introduce our "side Pattern" this week I will share a seasonal cooking tip. I am a fiend for fresh beets, and on the east coast of the USA it is beet season. Here is what I do: Trim and scrub the beets. Scrape them with a sharp paring knife. Rub them with olive oil, salt and fresh black pepper. Toss some herbs in if you have them. Wrap the whole group of beets in foil, sealing the package by folding the foil over, to make it as air-tight as possible. Bake for two hour at 400F. Let them cool, slice and enjoy! Be sure you drizzle any juices from cooking over the beets. You can also serve them in a sweet vinaigrette dressing...

All right then. This week we have Reverse Pod Socks. I used our week 7 Summer Swatch Me pattern, but I took a few liberties. First, I enlarged the pattern from 14 to 16 stitches. Group members can compare our stitch pattern chart with the sock chart to see what I did. Second, I used twisted knit stitches for the waves in the pattern which give an embossed look, especially in the yarn I used. These socks are worked with a finer weight yarn than our last socks and with more stitches cast-on. They use classic sock construction and a different but classic heal stitch pattern, called Eye of Partridge. The yarn that I selected for this pattern is from Lorna's Laces and called Shepherd Sock Yarn (in Periwinkle.) It is a delight to work with. It has wonderful stitch definition, really lets the twisted knit stitches pop, and makes a really elegant sock. Apologies for the photo sans model, but I just finished the second sock and my lovely model is still away! The two socks are mirror images of each other, which I like to do. Once you get the idea of manipulating our charts to do this, it is just a short jump to using the same trick to design a larger piece. More on that in a few weeks!

For those of you working on bookmarks, here is our Reverse Pod Bookmark, using another of my handspun FiberOptics yarns, made from their lovely pencil roving.

Our week 7 pattern can be used to make a scarf and would also be a really nice hat. Come to think of it, it would make some killer mitts too! I can't wait to see what our group comes up with. If you like what you see you can still join us at the Summer Swatch Me group! Read all about it here. I'll be back next week with even more. Until then, knit on!

Summer Swatch Me Week 6!

2010-07-24T12:42:00.011-04:00

This week marks a special milestone, as we are now officially at the half-way point of summer! I don't know about where you are, but where I am we hit near 100 degrees F yesterday. Sounds like smack in the middle of summer to me! Luckily, we took pictures for today's post last month... Our Summer Swatch Me stitch pattern this week is Fountain, and most group members will be adding this stitch pattern to their Summer Swatch Me Samplers. This makes our 6th (out of 9) patterns for the sampler.
We have two side projects this week. First we have the Fountain Mitts, which I knit using one skein of Land O Lace Steffi, in the Mazeppa colorway. Just as an aside, when I went to the Land O Lace website to snag the link for this post, I noticed they are having a 10% off sale (plus free or reduced shipping) through July 26th. I am not trying to lead you to temptation or anything, but I couldn't resist (the temptation) myself, and I thought I would share my discovery with you.
I just LOVE this colorway. It is hard to appreciate from my photographs, but there are specks of pale purple which create an almost iridescent quality.
The yarn has excellent stitch definition, so the pattern looks almost embossed. The stitches are NOT twisted, although I worked these at a firm gauge.
Like the previous mitt patterns in this series, they have a fitted thumb gusset and beads embellishing the wrist. The pattern is well suited to additional bead placements, if you so desire!
Our second side project this week is for a simple scarf, the Summer Swatch Me Scarf, using one skein of a special yarn and some beads for good measure. I used Crystal Palace Kid Merino in the Sage Colorway, along with some silver lined gold rainbow beads. Delicate, quick and a perfect gift. The scarf can be made using any one of the nine stitch patterns we will be using this summer, but this week I made a scarf using Fountain.
Finally, we have this week's Summer Swatch Me Fountain Bookmark, using another one of my handspun yarns, from my FiberOptics stash.
Try to stay cool, while still surrounding yourselves in fiber. That is my plan! I will be back next week with more Summer Swatch Me abundance. The project started the first day of summer and will remain open to new participants until the very last day of summer. If you like what you see and want access to all the projects and stitch patterns I have been posting about, come on over and join us! You can read all about it here. Until next week, knit on!

Summer Swatch Me Week Five!

2010-07-19T08:50:00.016-04:00

This week, our Swatch Me stitch pattern is Trails. For those of you working on the Summer Swatch Me Sampler, the chart is now posted at our group! I apologize for this week's delay, but we had to fetch BadKitten from the heart of Amish country and relocate her for the next three weeks of her summer adventure. Before I show you our special Trails pattern for this week, I will force you to see my weekend photographs... Here we are, driving through it. Amish country!
I had no idea how much goodness we would find there! First, right in the city of Lancaster we found the Quilt and Textile Museum, and took in an exhibit of traditional Amish quilts. It was lovely. Second, we drove right by Labadie Looms, in Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania. She has looms, spinning wheels, weaving and knitting yarns and spinning fiber. I was pretty impressed! Finally, we ate at a decent Thai restaurant in Lancaster...
We shopped for fabric (for BadKitten's next quilt) at Zook's, in Intercourse, Pennsylvania. The selection was overwhelming. BK selected edibles...
The Lancaster Bead Company, in Lancaster, has a tasty selection of my favorite type of beads (8/0 Japanese!) Left to right: Sparkling Metallic Gold Lined Crystal, Sea foam Lined Crystal AB, Transparent Gray Rainbow Luster, Cobalt Lined Sapphire AB, Amethyst Lined Crystal AB.
And in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, we found a really nice yarn shop with a good selection of yarn including this sock weight yarn that I had never seen before. It is from Knit One Crochet Too.
A buggy driving by...
The corn just goes on and on...
A farm across from where we stayed!
Finally, this week's special Summer Swatch Me pattern is for Trail Socks. I used Bear Foot sock yarn from Mountain Colors, in the Harmony Plum colorway. The yarn is soft, silky and strong. A great sock yarn and very nice to knit with.
This sock is knit from the cuff down and uses traditional sock construction, including a heel flap and a turned heel. They fit very well.
The colors really work, with enough variation to be interesting and not enough to distract from the stitch pattern. The pattern includes directions for making the socks mirror each other, which is a fun detail.
They have the BadKitten teenager stamp of approval!

For those of you working on Summer Swatch Me Bookmarks, our Trail Bookmark is worked in yarn from my FiberOptics collection of handspun yarns.

I'll be back next week with our sixth Summer Swatch Me stitch pattern. If you like what you see you can still join us. Read all about it here. Until next week, knit on!

Summer Swatch Me Week Four!

2010-07-11T09:19:00.010-04:00

We are fast approached the middle of our Summer Swatch Me Sampler, with the fourth stitch pattern posted today. This week, the stitch pattern is called Broken Leaves. This is an interesting pattern, in that it can be blocked flat for lace or worked in a more firm gauge, with heavier yarn, for a really interesting textured fabric.

Our small project this week is the Moss Hat. You can see how I took advantage of the texture we can get with this stitch pattern, and how different the stitch pattern looks in this hat, compared to the sampler swatch above. My hat was worked using Fleece Artist Nova Sock Yarn, which has been marinating in my stash for a few years!
For those of you working on bookmarks, I think you can see another lovely feature of this pattern. It undulates, so shows off color changes well and has a nice scallop. The bookmark yarn was hand spun from my FiberOptics collection!
Finally, this week we have another tutorial. To prepare for next week (when our side project is a pair of socks) I am sharing my baby sock pattern, including written directions and step-by-step photographs. It is a great way to learn how to make a traditional top down sock in a very small project. One evening, one sock. Use up your left-over sock yarn. Make one and use it as an ornament! Make two and give them to a baby...

Do you like what you see? You are welcome to join us for the Summer Swatch Me project, to access to all the stitch patterns, projects and tutorials. We will be going strong right through September. Read the details here!

Next week I will back with more! Until then, knit on!

Summer Swatch Me Week Three!

2010-07-04T14:25:00.002-04:00

Happy holiday weekend, here in the USA! The Summer Swatch Me group is in full swing, and this week we are working on our third stitch pattern, which I call Vine. Most people are making the project sampler, and will be adding Vine to that this week
Our side project this week is a pair of fingerless mitts, called Vine Mitts. I used the Crystal Palace Mini Mochi again. In case you didn't notice, I really love this yarn. The long color repeats are wonderful and the yarn is very soft and a pleasure to knit with and wear. These mitts not only match colors perfectly from the right to left hand, but the stitch pattern on the right hand is a mirror of the left hand.
It is a fun way to explore the possibilities of lace knitting. Toward the end of the summer we will come back to this little trick, when we look at flipping stitch patterns and manipulating row repeats to create more complex lace designs with our Swatch Me stitch patterns.
These mitts have been VERY well received by the teenagers in my life, and I hope they get a similar reception at your house.
Some Summer Swatch Me members are working on bookmarks. This week we have our Vine Bookmark, made using some of my FiberOptics handspun.
If you like what you see and want to join us, there are still nine more weeks of summer, with new ideas and patterns to come! You can read all about it here. Feel free to drop me an email if you have questions. I will be back next week with something a little different for the Summer Swatch Me group. That would be socks, including a special sock tutorial and a bonus pattern for baby socks. And they are pretty cute...

Until then, knit on!

Summer Swatch Me Week Two!

2010-06-27T19:44:00.010-04:00

This week we will be working with stitch pattern two, which I call Lotus. For those of you living vicariously, here is our game plan! Most people are working on our Swatch Me Sampler, and they will be adding Lotus to the sampler that they cast-on last week. If you happen to be on Ravelry, you can see some great photos of our Summer Swatch Me projects through this link. You can also see several (finished even!) Peacock Mitts from last week by following the same link. Several people are working on bookmarks, and here is my Lotus Bookmark, made using more of that pretty FiberOptics handspun. Details of that can be found here!
Our special project this week is the Lotus Hat. The pattern for these cute hats will be posted to our group tonight and includes three sizes. They are knit using Mini Mochi, from Crystal Palace, which is a pleasure to work with and comes in amazing colors.
Along with the pattern I am also posting my special Hat Tutorial, which includes all the techniques I used to make these hats, directions for making a hat in this style using any of the stitch patterns we will be playing with, directions for customizing the hat for any size and in any yarn, AND a worksheet to help you do that.
The striping color I used here is called Violet Rainbow, and I am very fond of it. So fond, in fact, that you will see it again in another project. The solid color (above) is called Purple Rain.
Finally, here is a picture of BadKitten, showing off the quilt that she designed and made in the past few weeks. She left today for a summer program, and took it with her to decorate her dorm bed. What ever will I do???
I imagine that I will knit (and wipe my tears with my knitting.) So for those of you who are late to the party, the Summer Swatch Me project will be open all summer long. We are only starting week two with tonight's post and I have so much more to share with all of you that I get palpitations just thinking about it! If you want in, check out the details here. And until next week, knit on!

Happy Summer! Swatch Me Week One...

2010-06-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Mimosa are in bloom, and that could only mean one thing. Summer is here! The Swatch Me group is ready to roll. In case you are late to the party, the Swatch Me project group will remain open all summer long. If you like what you see, check out the details here and join us! I thought I would give you a peak at what we are doing on week one. First of all, we are doing a tutorial on my preferred fingerless mitt construction. The pictures below are from the tutorial, but the pattern is something new that will be ready November 2010. These have textural patterning on the hands and the thumb gussets and are worked in Malabrigo Sock Yarn.
Here is the cheesecake shot, for good measure...
Our Swatch Me patern for week one is called Peacock. You can see my bookmark swatch, which was knit with one of those cute skeins of yarn that I spun up a few weeks ago.
This week we are also starting a Summer Swatch Me mitt pattern using the same construction technique shown in the tutorial. These mitts showcase pattern one, Peacock. The yarn is ShaSha from Land O Lace, in the Duluth colorway.

And of course, the charming BadKitten, forever humoring her mother.

Finally, here is a photo from the main Swatch Me project, our sampler. Once again Peacock, our first stitch pattern! I think that will keep everyone busy for a week, don't you? Until next week, knit on!

Live from TNNA: The New Victorian Scarf

2010-06-14T22:24:00.008-04:00

Well, not really live because I am here in New York and TNNA is in Ohio. But my newest design is there and representing me! This one is called The New Victorian. I had the pleasure of working with a new Jade Sapphire yarn called AngelWing. This is the same yarn I used for The Netsuke Wrap, but it is now available in all the hand dyed Jade Sapphire colorways. The yarn is lace weight, hand spun and 100% Mongolian Cashmere. I think it is one of the softest yarns I have ever used. This project uses two skeins of the yarn, plus a handful of 6/0 triangle beads.
The shape is very wearable, wrapping around your shoulders and staying put; perfect to show off a special shawl pin.
This is the piece blocking, so you can see the shape. The pattern is available from shops that stock Jade Sapphire yarns. It is brand new and will take a little while to make it to your LYS. Ask them to order it for you if you want!

The Summer Swatch Me Project has begun!

2010-05-23T14:09:00.003-04:00

Well, at least the group is open and people are collecting their materials! A few weeks ago I showed you some hand dyed roving that I was spinning for the project. Here you can see the results. We have 10 skeins, each spun on a light weight drop spindle and made 2-ply. Each skein weights in at about 4 grams and has about 40 yards. The needles posing on the skeins are a US 1 and are 7 inches long, just for reference. Each skein will become a swatch (or bookmark) as we progress through the summer.

We have a great group of knitters already enrolled in the summer group, but there is still plenty of time. We won't be casting on until June 21st. Do you want to join the party? Check for all the details right here!

Summer Swatch Me!

2010-05-16T11:30:00.003-04:00

A 2010 BadCatDesigns summer extravaganza! Starting right now you can join the party (see below.) We will be chatting and discussion materials from today until June 21st, at which point the games will begin in earnest.
This project will span the 12 weeks of summer. For each of the first 9 weeks, there will be a new lace chart presented. Each chart will be one stitch pattern in a 9 pattern lace sampler. But wait! Each chart will also come with a “one skein” pattern, so that each week you can add another stitch pattern to your sampler and also whip up a little something else. What else, you might ask…well, how about book marks, traditional socks, lovely fingerless mitts, scarves, cowls, and hats! Knit as little or as much as you like, because each of the nine stitch patterns can become any of the one skein pattern projects. But wait! At the end of 9 weeks, we will move on to a border for the sampler and some fun ways to vary the stitch patterns for different effects. At this point there will also be a few stole designs using variations and combinations of our stitch patterns and more than one skein of yarn. There will be optional beads everywhere (but of course!)

The process will be sprinkled with knitting tutorials, including some sock, mitt and hat construction tips and some designing tips. For those of you who are interested, there will be support to design your own stole. I will be posting a materials list in the next few weeks, but the materials discussion will begin right away at our project group. Project group?? Yup, and if you were part of The Summer Squares group in 2009 you know the deal. The group will be at YahooGroups, where my other groups live. All the project files will be available there for the duration of the project. All our discussions will be through group email. Photographs will be there too, along with some posted to my blog. The tutorials will all be available on my blog, along with project updates.

The project will begin enrolling now, really start the first day of summer and end the first day of fall. It is open to lace knitters of all abilities and there will be something for everyone. My patterns are well written and fully charted, but I do not provide line-by-line directions. There will be great support and friendly encouragement, so if you are just getting into charts you will get the support that you need to have fun.

Do you want in? The cost for 12 weeks of lace knitting joy and all the patterns discussed above is $16 US. You can join at any time, from now until the last day of summer. Once the group is over, all patterns will be available for individual sale. I am only able to accept payment via PayPal, sent to me at BadCatDesigns@verizon.net. If you need help with that or have questions, feel free to email me at the same address. Once I get payment you will get directions to the group and more details. I am so excited and hope to see you there.

I would like to thank the following people for their generous yarn and fiber support: LandOLace, Jade Sapphire, ArtYarns, Crystal Palace, Lorna’s Laces, Mountain Colors and FiberOptics. I would also like to thank Mary Rose and BadKitten. You know why…
Without them this project would not have been possible!

Meow,
BadCatDesigns

Spinning for the Summer!

2010-05-01T17:35:00.004-04:00

Happy weekend! I didn't have time to go to Maryland Sheep and Wool this year. As a matter of fact, I hardly had time to post these pictures, that is just how busy I have been. Luckily, some of my busy has to do with spinning and knitting. I am so excited about my up-coming summer project that I decided to share just a little bit about it. The fish full of fiber (above) contains a lovely assortment of pencil roving from Kimber at Fiber Optics. She was kind enough to give me these assorted samples for my project. I love her sense of color and I really enjoy working with the pencil roving, where I can spin a two-ply lace weight yarn and manage to get the colors to stay separate in the finished yarn. You will see what I mean when I show you swatches from this fiber. That will be in June! The pencil roving comes as a "2-ply" so each "ply" of the roving has the same dye pattern. If you spin each from the same end and ply them together you can get a 2-ply yarn with long color repeats. I am spinning these fiber samples into small skeins of 2-ply, and I will make swatches for my summer project from that yarn. You can see one finished skein in the fish. The spindle is a Vixen from Greensleeves. Elizabeth makes really lovely, fast and well balanced spindles...
In case you are curious, the samples I am using are these two types of pencil roving and you can see more here!

I will be back in a week or so with more goodies. Until then, knit on!

The Snow Queen Gala: Wrap it up!

2010-04-18T16:33:00.022-04:00

I am thrilled to bring you my final Snow Queen post. If you have been here for any of my previous group projects, you will know that one of my greatest pleasures is seeing your work. Today I would like to share photos that knitters from The Snow Queen group have generously shared. I listed the knitter's name and the details of their project above the photographs of their work. I think you will be as impressed as I am! Enjoy!

Name: Teresa
Ravelry name: teresat2t
Yarn: Grignasco Cashmere-Seta/ used about 2058 metres Added tiers means that I added 3000 beads (silver lined crystal size 8/0 from Earth Fairie)
Needle size: 2.5, 2.75 and 3.00 mm
Gauge and finished size after blocking: blocked to 68"
Any modifications? Added extra tiers by repeating Chart F after an increase row. Yes - that is 1156 sts per row.
I knit the first tier of Chart F extension as directed by BadCat and rotated second tier by 16sts so that the nupp motif would line up with Chart F. Also added additional flowers so that each tooth has a flower. Chart G - combined one pattern row (to reduce entire chart by 2r) due to limited yardage. I really didn't want to run out after all this knitting..
Comments:This project was spectacular to knit and the finished project would make a fabulous christening shawl. Talk about heirloom.

Name: Sue in CA
Ravelry name: Monksqueedunk (a childhood name!)
Yarn: Colourmart Cashmere 2/28, used about 3/4 of one cone. The yarn is identified by a number (130016) but is a natural or creamy white. 1 cone is 2300 yards, so I probably used around 1725 yards.
Needles: cast on with US 2, knit most of the shawl with US 3, changed to US 4 for the last 30 rows
Beads: Beadwrangler 8.0 silver lined clear (#110) and silver lined 3mm magatamas for the border
Finished size: 52.5 inches
No modifications (though I debated adding an extra tier)
Comments: I appreciated every detail of this design, loved the "Estonian" adaptation of the pi, learned how to do nupps in the round, and think this is an absolutely gorgeous design. I am tempted to knit another one because it was just plain fun to knit.

Name: Melissa
Ravelry name: twoknitwit
Yarn info: Jaggerspun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18 Cone ~ approximately 1000 yds for my smaller version
Needle sizes: US1 (2.25mm), US2 (2.75mm), US3 (3.25mm), and US4 (3.5mm) for bind-off row only to keep it loose since I cast off really tightly
Finished size & gauge: 80cm diameter and 10st/inch
Mods: I finished chart F at first marked stopping point for a smaller Snow Queen and also did not use any beads (replaced all beads with 3 stitch nupps)
Comments: the group was a perfect venue for a fairly inexperienced lace knitter ~ the pattern is amazing with lots of new techniques, instructions were great, lots of encouragement from the members of the KAL as well as helpful hints that made success for me inevitable! I can see why you have so many loyal followers!
Name: Mary, or Mary Rose whichever you prefer! :)
Blog: http://shallweeat.blogspot.com/
Ravelry name: marydear
Yarn: ColourMart Superfine Merino 2/28, less than a full cone
Needles:US 1 through 4 needles
Blocked size: 62 inches across
No mods here
Comments: This is the prettiest shawl I have ever knit and the photo's do not do it justice.

Name: Kathleen
Ravelry Name: kfitz835
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kfitz835/snow-queen-pi-shawl
has notes and my ramblings as I worked through the shawl.
Yarn: Knitpicks Gloss Lace (50% silk/50% merino, 2 ply) 3.26 skeins = 1434.4 yards (1311.6m) colour Aquamarine
Needle size: 3.75 mm (I forgot to size up for the edging but had no trouble getting it to block flat) Gauge and finished size after blocking: finished approx 60" in diameter. I didn't measure the gauge. I like the fee land drape of laceweights when I knit them on 3.75's so that my go to combo. I knit fairly tight.
Any modifications you made? not intentional ones.
Comments: I really enjoyed knitting this shawl. The pattern was a pleasure to knit. It kept you thinking but was natural enough that I wasn't a slave to the charts.

Name: Elaine Jones
Blog: http://www.jonesclan.net/
Ravelry name: Driftwood
Yarn: Jaggerspun Zephyr 2/18 50% Silk / 50% Wool 1562 yards
Needles: Sizes 3, 4, and 5
Gauge and finished size after blocking 64" diameter
Beads: #8 Dark Grey Silver Lined Japanese Delicas

Name: Debby Patterson
Ravelry name: debbypat
Yarn: KnitPicks Gloss Lace, about 1540 yards used (just under 3.5 skeins)
Beads: Size 8 Matte Raku Teal.
Needles: US Sizes 4, 5, 6
Gauge: Never swatched Finished size 64" diameter.
Comments: I was going to try to get outside pictures this afternoon, but rain looks likely, so I thought I'd try this first. Backlit, the lace and nupps show up nicely, especially in such dark yarn. Bonus, you get to see the lovely Crape Myrtles across the street!

Name: Debbie Thompson
Ravelry name: xs4ever
Yarn: Wollmeise Lace-garn Pfefferminz Prinz colorway (blue-greens) about 1700 yards
Needles: US2, US3, US4
Blocked size: 62 inches in diameter
Comments: I loved knitting this and I love the finished project. Thanks Andrea for sharing this design and letting us knit along with you.

Name: Colleen
Yarn: Yarn Addict Silky Merino (1312yds per 100gm) 1 ply cobweb. I used one skein plus about 2/3 of the second skein.
Needle Size US 4 (3mm) needles
beads from an Australian online shop, Cranberry, Berrylicious size 8 seedbeads plus size 8 megatamas around edge.
Measures approx 58" diameter.

Name: Cara
Ravelry name: Stamax
Yarn: Colourmart 2/28 50/50 Cashmere/Merino in Crudo (2300 yards/150 gm)
The shawl used 100 gms of fiber or approximately 1550 yards.
Needles: U.S. needle sizes 2, 3, and 4.
Blocked size: After unpinning she measures 54 inches in diameter, but I think could be blocked a bit larger The beads are a beige color, gold lined AB finish with matching mini-magatamas for the edge. The pattern was knit without any modifications.
Comments: This is absolutely the most beautiful thing I have ever knit. It was also one of the most delightful, I never tired of the process. Thank you Andrea for such a lovely experience. Your designs are amazing and the lovely groups of knitters that participate will keep me coming back to all your KALs.

Name: Jean
Ravelry name: Cali1951 on Ravelry
Yarn: 2/24 cashmere/wool blend mill end from E-bay. Approx 1350 yards
Color: Lemongrass
Beads: #8 silver lined crystal beads from Fire Mountain
Edging Beads: 3 mm gold lined peridot magatamas from ArtBeads
Needles: US 2 (2.75mm) US 2 1/2 (3.00mm) & US 3 (3.25mm)
Size: 50’ across
Comments:I really wanted to get a picture outside where the light is better and I could lay it out flat, but there have been 40 mile an hour winds here for the past couple of days and it’s going to rain for the next 4 or 5 days. So as oddly shaped as this looks it really is round.

Name: Amanda
Blog Url: http://paradisefoundkerrie.blogspot.com/
Rav Name: AmandavW
Yarn: Bendigo Woollen Mills Classic 2 ply in Almond. 1200 yds
Needle Size: 2.25mm (1), 2.75mm (2), 3.25mm (3)
Finished size: 41" (104cm)

Name: Debra Fassler
debola on Ravelry
Yarn: Jade Sapphire Silk/Cashmere, Colorway #77, Mallard
Approximately 1800 yards
Needles size 3 and 4
After blocking it's approximately 53 inches across
Notes: As I've already told the group, this was a project of "firsts" for me...first circular cast-on that didn't end in (literally) tears, first nupps, and first beads. I never thought I could do a circular shawl, and I don't think I could have done this one without all of the assistance from Andrea and the group. Thanks so much...I look forward to the next KAL, and have a couple of friends that might join us next time!

Was that not just amazing??? To all the members of my Snow Queen group (be you represented with photographs here or not) I thank you for your excellent company throughout this project. Are you all ready to do it again? Stand by for Summer 2010, because I have something fun planned and you will be the first to hear about it! Until next week or there-abouts, knit on!

Late Breaking News! I have a few more Snow Queens to share 4/22/2008. Enjoy!

Name: Mona
Ravelry name: flamewerks
Yarn info: Alpaca with a Twist alpaca/silk in Tamarino (0093) ~ approximately 1700 yds Needle sizes: US3, US4, US5, and US6 for bind-off row only keep it loose since I cast off really tightly Finished size: 66" diameter
Comments: This is a beautiful design and I really enjoyed knitting it. Thanks for the opportunity to participate in the KAL.
Name: Pat F
Ravelry name: fenknits
Yarn and amount: Colourmart Cashmere/Silk/Merino 2/28NM Laceweight, not sure but estimated about 1300 yards
Needles:Started on US 2 double-pointed needles and switched to US 3 circulars for most of the shawl and then ended with US 4 needles for finishing the border.
Finished size after blocking: about 58 inches
Modifications: None
Comments:Loved this shawl. I was slow as I had never done such an intricate or large lace project before. I also had never done nupps. It is the most beautiful knitted object I have ever completed.

The Snow Queen Rises...

2010-03-15T22:30:00.000-04:00

Finally complete and ready to share! This shows you as much as I could get in the frame.
This is a detail of the beaded section in Chart F.

And this is a detail of the "Hearts and Crowns" in Chart G.
My Snow Queen Group is still in progress, and people are finishing one by one. I plan to share more versions of Snow Queen with you as the group finishes up. For today I will just share my version.
The pattern is now available at my Ravelry Store. I suggest that you follow the link to the store for details and more photographs. You can use this link if you are not on Ravelry. The cost is $8.50, and the pattern is a 15 page booklet with lots of detail. My patterns are very well charted but do not include line-by-line (written) directions. This pattern includes a center start, many nupps and beads and is for the adventurous knitter! It is a really fun knit.
Abbreviated Materials Discussion from the pattern:

Yarn: I used Colourmart 2/28 10% cashmere 90% wool. One cone has 150 grams which is just over 2200 yards. I used under one cone. I choose to work in a natural white color for this project. You can stick with me and use one cone of a 2/28 Colourmart yarn or you can use any other yarn of your choice. Please refer to the swatch section for a good discussion about figuring out how much yarn you will need.
Beads: I used 8/0 Japanese crystal rainbow seed beads. If you use all the bead placements and knit the full Chart F you will need about 33 grams of beads (based on 350 beads per 8 grams which is approximate.) To break it down, you will need 64 beads for Chart E and 448 beads for each repeat (there are three) of chart F. You will need 48 beads for Chart G. This takes us to a grand total 1456 seed bead. There are also some optional drop beads or magatama beads in the cast-off (42.) You have the option to omit any of the beads that you choose.
Needles: I used US 2, 3 and 4 needles, or size for gauge with your middle size needle. You need a set of four or five double points for the center and a 32 inch circular for the final chart.
Other Stuff:
-You will need stitch markers if you like to use them. I suggest 16 markers, with one being unique to mark the start of the row.
-You will need stainless steel T-pins to block.
-You will need a ruler to measure yarn (see swatch section.)
-You will need a calculator
-You will need a yarn needle to weave in ends

I have some blocking photos and directions that I will post next week. Until then, knit on!

Please meet my friend...

2010-03-06T14:15:00.007-05:00

Jeri Riggs! We knit together most Thursday evenings. Actually Jeri not only knits. She is an amazing art quilter too. But today I want to share her newest contribution to our craft, The Ingrid Cardigan. Jeri has been knitting these amazing, intricately cabled, top down sweaters. She just starts at the top and when she is done it fits her like a glove. The problem has been that she never writes down what she does. All that has changed with this new design, which is why I am so excitedSo Ingrid is worked from the top down and is carefully shaped to flatter.
The cables are charted and the instructions are very detailed, well illustrated and clear.
Her attention to detail is really amazing.
You can appreciate the wonderful shaping detail in the back.
I just have to show you another version...
Jeri loves zippers, and the two versions I am sharing have zippers in them. The pattern allows for buttons too, if that is more your style.
If you look on Ravelry you will see two other versions. One with buttons and one without anything. They all look great.
I am usually making something with holes in it, but I adore texture and cables too. Jeri is selling her pattern for Ingrid on Ravelry and I would go check it out! A spectacular design and a very wearable sweater. I have such cool friends!

I posted the final chart for Snow Queen at our Yahoogroup today, so we should be wrapping that project up very soon. I will be back next week with blocking directions for Snow Queen and some photos of the finished piece. Until then, knit, knit, knit...

Snowed in With The Snow Queen: Fixing Nupps.

2010-02-27T09:14:00.007-05:00

Here in New York we had another snow day...and it snowed. Although I had hoped for nonstop knitting, I was faced with some nonstop shoveling.
In fairness, I only helped dig out my car. My dear husband did the bulk of it, plus his car, plus the walk...yes, that is my car...
Where is that hot tub when you need it???
I want to discuss nupp repair. I am talking about those wayward loops that you notice 20 rows past. You know what I mean. As careful as you are, a loop or two somehow always gets missed. You will look down and that loop, just sticking out, will declare its self. Here is what I do. DO NOT PULL ON IT! Take a contrasting piece of yarn on a blunt needle, run it through the loop, bring it to the back of your work at the top of the nupp missing the loop and make a little bow. Your nupp from the front should look normal if you brought the loop to the back through the top of the nupp. Ignore it until you are finished.
Once you cast-off, but before you block, fix nupps. You need a snippers or scissors, a blunt needle and some of your project yarn.
My project yarn is a 2-ply. I untwisted about 9 inches of my yarn, so I had 1-ply. Do this patiently using the blunt needle to help the 2-ply untwist. Depending on your yarn this either will work well or be too frustrating. If it is the later, just use the yarn as it is.
Using the needle, remove that contrasting yarn and replace it with the 1-ply project yarn. Take at look at your work from the front. Can you see a problem with the nupp from the front? I bet not. Return to the back and weave the 1-ply ends in with care, following the stitch pattern. Weave 1 end in one directions and cross the 2nd end over the 1st, weaving in the other direction. If you do it with care you will never find the spot you just fixed from either side. Fix any wayward loops that you find. While you are at it, weave all your ends in. You can split the yarn as I did above, which will make it very hard to find your ends, but be careful not to break the yarn and end up with nothing to weave in, eh?

I will be back next week with an updated picture or two of Snow Queen! Until then, knit on...

My Tagine Runneth Over

2010-02-21T10:22:00.014-05:00

I thought I would share my good fortune and at the same time offer a huge thank-you to everyone who shared my birthday and made me feel so very special. Your generosity is overwhelming and I am so happy to have you all as my family and friends.
To my darling Badkitten and her father, I just love you guys! BK whipped up this cake for me, and she says you can have some for yourself if you follow this link.
My brother and his family gave me this elegant Tagine, in which I made this for dinner last night. He also gave me a rice cooker. We love to cook chez BadCat, so these will get good use.
My sister and her family gave me these, so I can keep that Tagine full on a regular basis!
Harry made me this, and I was told the stickers were hand selected with me in mind. I love them.
This is just a few of the cards I got, that I though were most appropriate to share. The peas in the pod are yarn...
I snuck this little swatch in, for lack of a better place! 2/80 merino cashmere on 4-0 needles. More later!
My friend Sandra gave me a selection of these amazing stitch markers. These fit on US 2 and smaller needles, are totally handmade (even the headpins) and the nicest I have ever had. They are from Spindle Cat Studios. I love them.

My friend Dawn gave me a pair of US 2 needles. Not just any needles. THESE needles. She selected the shortest length and the stiletto tip. She knows what I like. I love them.
The swatch is from a cone of 2/18 Cotton and linen that my friend Pat gave me. Purple. I love it.
My friend Jeri made this name tag for me. She is an amazing art quilter, beader and knitter. I still can't believe that she made this just for me. And in purple too...I love it.
This is a terrible photo, so please forgive me, but my friend Mary Rose made me this a little while ago and I wanted to share it. She secretly grabbed my Ravelry avatars and made me a shirt with them. How cool is that??? I love it!
This is just a "little something" my friend Lara sent me. A real knitter's kit, I have no idea how she stuffed so many goodies into one bag! You can see just a few of them, but I believe she thought of everything a hardcore knitter might need in a pinch, including some cool things I had never seen (note the crochet hook with a knitting needle end, the handmade stitch markers and a perfect clip light for knitting in bed while your honey is trying to sleep.) Amazing! I love it.
One of the most stunning surprises I got was a package from my friend Malle. She sent me all sorts of goodies, but I will share two with you! This mitten book was just published and is in both Estonian AND English. It is full of wonderful history and MANY charted patterns for traditional Estonian mittens. It is another gorgeous, hard cover book from Estonia. I love it!
She also sent me Valentine's Day yarn. I understand it is a typical Estonian yarn, and it has very long color repeats. It is a 2/8 yarn. I have not decided what it will be yet, but I love it.
And not to be outdone, I selected a few things for myself, and we can say they are from my little family even though I ordered them, right? These are two cobweb weight yarns from Bev, at Land O Lace. One is a 2/56 and one is a 2/60. Both are in colors that are new, in my favorite color family. I am note sure what they will become yet, but they are gorgeous.
I got this Folca box, from The Gossamer Web. You can see that I filled it with some of my little necessities. It is really cool.
I also got another skein of Love Potion #3, which was such a pleasure to work with. I am not sure what it will become yet!
Finally, I got this little Kuchulu spindle from Jenkins Woodworking. The penny (it happens to be Canadian as a little homage to the Olympics) shows you just how tiny this baby is. Lilac wood and pink ivory. Perfect.
Finally, a little Snow Queen update, so you don't think I am all goodies and no action! This is a closeup of a beaded section in Chart F.
And this shows everything through Chart E. Our group just moved to Chart F last week and we have some serious knitting to go.

Again, I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. I love you all. I will be back next week with a picture tutorial on fixing nupps. You know how those nupps seem to give up a loop every once in a while? I will show you what I do to repair them. Until then, knit on!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T09:54:00.004-05:00

In honor of the day, I present my newest design. This is The Persian Princess.
Materials
60 grams (about 1000 yards) of Love Potion #3 yarn from The Gossamer Web in colorway Cranberry
14 grams of Japanese 8/0 Rusty Orange Gold-Luster seed beads (Toho)
7 grams of Japanese 3mm magatama beads in African Sunset Gold-Luster (Toho)
US 1 circular needles (32 inches will be best) or size for gauge
US 14 crochet hook or size to fit beads
A few stitch markers
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Waste yarn for saving stitches and provisional cast-on (smooth cotton)
Stainless steel t-pins and/or wires for blocking
The combination of the gold luster beads and the wonderful color of this hand-dyed gossamer yarn is very elegant and feminine. The detail shot, above, shows the bead work.
The center panel has many beads and elaborate scroll work.

The border has delicate scallops and megatama beads at each point, which are incorporated into the cast-off.
The top edge also includes beads. The entire project is cast-on provisionally with three stitches and the yarn is not broken until the final cast-off. The finished size is 60 inches across and 27 inches deep. This project is available starting today and is for the experienced knitter who loves charts and skinny needles! The pattern is 14 pages, with detailed charts and directions. You must be willing to use charts to knit this project. You can buy the pattern at my Ravelry pattern store or get a copy for free with a purchase of the specified yarn at The Gossamer Web.

I'll be back next week with some photos of my fibery birthday goodies (yes, yesterday was my b'day!) I will also be back with a Snow Queen update, including photos through chart E. Until then, knit on!

Snow Queen Progress...

2010-02-07T08:50:00.004-05:00

Just in time for a record breaking snow storm on the east coast of the United States, I bring you progress! Our Snow Queen Pi group is proceeding quickly. The group is full of kind and generous knitters enjoying the process and supporting each other. I am having a wonderful time!

We just finished Chart D and things are looking good! I though I would show you a tiny sample of our progress. Thanks to those who offered photos!This is Cara's piece, in 2/28 yarn from Colourmart. She is working all the nupps.
This is Jodi's piece, and she is also working all the nupps.
This is Karen's piece, and she choose to replace the nupps with beads. She is also sharing a close-up, so you can really see things.
We are starting our next chart today, which is where the rows become longer and the progress a little slower! You can see more on the Ravelry project page. Stay tuned....

Until then, as EZ (mother of the Pi) said, Knit on!

The Snow Queen: start your engines...

2010-01-19T20:02:00.006-05:00

Materials
Yarn: I am using ColourMart 2/28 10/90 cashmere wool. I have 150 grams which is just over 2200 yards. My original intention was to use a fingering weight yarn, but I started swatching with this yarn and the swatch grew into a shawl. It was less than intentional. I actually ordered a different yarn from the UK, but it did not arrive in time for my cast-on...

I chose to work in a natural white color for this project. You can stick with me and use one cone of a 2/28 colourmart yarn or you can use any other yarn of your choice. That means weight, color and fiber content. Please refer to the swatch section for a good discussion about figuring out how much yarn you will need. I would like to make some suggestions about both fiber content and color. Nupps and some of the other stitch manipulations in this pattern require a yarn with some elasticity. For me, that means wool. Better yet, merino. As long as you select a yarn that has some lambswool or merino on board, you should have a pleasant knitting experience. If you choose to use cotton, silk or other yarns without that “give” you might fight with your nupps and thow your knitting across the room. I suggest that you swatch and decide for yourself.

As for color, I suggest something light and solid or nearly solid in color. There is a lot going on in this design and contrasting colors would (IMHO) detract from it. The exception might be a yarn with long color repeats. I think even that would be distracting, but feel free to prove me wrong because you are so good at that!

Beads: I am using 8/0 Japanese crystal rainbow beads. If you use all the bead placements and knit the full Chart F you will need about 33 grams of beads (based on 350 beads per 8 grams which is approximate.) To break it down, you will need 64 beads for Chart E and 448 beads for each repeat (there are three) of chart F. You will need 48 beads for the final section of Chart F. This takes us to a grand total 1456 beads. You have the option to omit any of the beads that you choose. You also have the option to replace any of the nupps with beads. If you do that you will need 6 beads for chart B, 192 for Chart D, 464 for Chart E and 944 beads for the full Chart F. This would be IN ADDITION to the beads mentioned previously. That is a bunch of beads! These numbers work for any size beads you choose, but the weight mention above is approximate and only for 8/0 beads. Finally, the last 48 beads, used for the edging and part of Chart F, can be different from your original beads if you choose. Something a tiny bit large with more flash would be suitable. I am not sure what I will use.

Needles: I am using US 2, 3 and 4 needles. You need a set of four or five double points for the center (smallest size) and a 32 inch circular for the final chart (largest size.) What you use in between is up to you and based on what you have on hand. I used a 16 inch and a 24 inch circular as the piece got larger. Use your smaller needle size up until the final rows of chart D, switch to your mid-size needle and finally to the largest needle for the final rows (82-99) of chart F. I do not usually suggest needle brands, but choose something with an excellent point. See the swatch discussion for more thoughts on needle sizes. You will also need a crochet hook that fits into the beads you are using. For me, that is a US 14 (Tulip brand.) You might also need one straight needle in a size smaller than your main needle size, to help with nupps if you work one too tightly.

Other Stuff:
-You will need stitch markers if you like to use them. I suggest 16 markers, with one being unique to mark the start of the row.
-You will need stainless steel T-pins to block.
-You will need a ruler to measure yarn (see swatch section.)
-You will need a calculator
-You will need a yarn needle to weave in ends

The Swatch
If you are using the same yarn as I am using, you might get away with skipping this next part. . You will have to swatch just a little to select your needle size. Pick the size that gets you the look you like (and consider blocking when you decide.) Once you have your needle size, choose one size smaller and one size larger and see discussion in the materials sections about needles. If you want to use any other weight yarn you should knit the full swatch chart and follow my logic. You can use whatever yarn you choose! Isn’t that liberating? But how many yards will you need? I have no clue, but I know how to figure it out. Take the yarn you would like to use and grab the Swatch Chart. Cast-on 37 stitches and work rows 1-24 (24 is a return row.) Cut the yarn and cut the tail from your cast-on. Rip your swatch and measure your yarn, down to the inch. You will need about 86 times your swatch yardage for this project. Round up. DO NOT omit the nupps from your swatch. They use a good amount of yarn. You may choose to stop knitting before you complete Chart F. There are two places to shorten that chart and you will decide for yourself, based on your yarn weight and how large a piece you want. The number above should give you enough yarn to complete the project in full, but don’t skimp. It is better to have too much than not enough.

The swatch is posted in the files sections of our group tonight, so cast-on and begin your decision making. We can discuss yarn choice!

I am closing our group tonight, but if you missed this project do not despair. The pattern will be available as a lovely booklet once the group is done. AND I am already planning a really cool Summer 2010 project...meow.

The Snow Queen Technique Tutorial

2010-01-18T10:00:00.010-05:00

This project uses some challenging lace knitting techniques. These include a center cast-on, making nupps, making complex Estonian style stitches and placing beads using a crochet hook. I will talk about each of these elements individually.
Techniques
The Center cast-on
There are many ways to start a piece at the center. I have an excellent blog post that covers several possible techniques:
http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/2007/12/circular-start-revisted.html
For this particular project I simply cast-on 9 stitches (3 to each of three double-pointed needles.) I joined, being careful not to twist and I knit one round plain using a fourth needle. With 9 stitches at the start it is not that difficult.

Nupps
There are two ways to make nupps. The common way is to knit into the stitch (leave original stitch on the left-hand needle) make a yarn-over, knit into the same stitch, make a yarn-over, knit into the same stitch, drop the original stitch from your left-hand needle and knit on. You just made five stitches from the one stitch. On the return row, you carefully purl the five stitches together. It is very easy to drop one of the yarn-overs, so be sure you count all five stitches before you complete the stitch. A much less common way to make nupps (because I might be the only person who likes to do this) is to slip the stitch as if to knit and return it to your left-hand needle with the back leg ready for action. Knit into the back leg of the stitch (leave original stitch on the left-hand needle) knit into the front leg of the stitch, knit into the back leg of the stitch, knit into the front leg of the stitch, knit into the back leg of the stitch. Drop the original stitch from the left-hand needle. On the return row, purl the five stitches together. Count that you have all five on your needles before you complete the stitch. My technique gives you a more firm nupp. Choose the technique that you prefer and stick with one, because they do look slightly different.

Nupps in the round present an interesting dilemma for me. My solution is to work the nupps by bringing the yarn over the top of the needle to knit and also to make the yarn-overs for each maneuver. When you do this your stitch flips so that it sits on the needle presenting the back lag of the stitch to knit. You can do this with either nupp technique for the same result. On the return row you can knit the group of five together with much greater ease.

Other stitch manipulations: -The “make 3 from 5” is worked like so: Knit five together and leave original stitches on left-hand needle. Make one yarn-over and knit the same five stitches together. Drop them from the left-hand needle. You will always be working a yarn-over before and after this stitch, so the stitch count will remain constant. If you knit in a European crossed-uncrossed way you will find this maneuver very easy, because your stitches will present themselves with the back leg forward and you can knit the five together through the back leg without twisting. You can also slip all five stitches (one at a time) as if to knit and return them to the left-hand needle so the back leg is “forward.” You work the “make 5 from 7” in the same way, but you knit 7 together and repeat the directions above until you have made 5 new stitches.

Placing Beads
I have already discussed beads in several places, and here is the link to some previous bead chats! The first two are bead posts and the second two have video clips of adding beads.
http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/2008/12/badcat-bead-primer.html
http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/2007/08/inserting-beads-with-crochet-hook.html
http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/08/summer-squares-take-eight-dark-star.html
We will use all the techniques above for our project and discussion can proceed! I will be posting information for our swatch and materials Tuesday evening. Until then practice your nupps!

I made one of my very special technique videos to share with you today, shot by the lovely BadKitten, directly from my bedroom (I mean video studio...) I work a few nupps in three different ways. The first is the traditional way, best for use working back and forth. The second is my "less common" technique. This one works well for very fine yarn, when it get really easy to loose one of the yarn-overs on your return row. The resulting nupp is a bit more firm. The third technique I show is how I make nupps in the round, which leaves you with the five nupps stitches twisted on the needle and thus allows you to knit the five together through the back legs on your return row. The single stitch left over after you do this will be twisted, but it won't impact the look of your final nupp if you forget to flip it back.

The Snow Queen

2010-01-15T17:00:00.002-05:00

I would like to extend an invitation to all of you. I am about to begin my 2010 group project. I decided NOT to post charts on my blog for this project. It is too difficult to post high quality charts (especially large charts) here. I decided to start a special group (much like my 2009 Summer group) to host this project with some style. I WILL be posting project updates and techniques here, so even if you choose not to join in you can keep an eye on what we are doing. Added 1/20/10: The group is fully enrolled as of 1/20/10, so closed.

This project uses Elizabeth Zimmermann’s formula for a Pi shawl. She devotes a chapter of her book, Knitter’s Almanac, to this concept and I highly recommend reading it. A Pi shawl is a circle, started at the center. It is worked in tiers, with increase rows between each tier. The formula is very straightforward and anyone can design one by plugging in stitch patterns to the tiers that are divided by increase rounds. I made one Pi shawl, about 20 years ago. I used real Shetland 2-ply and with EZ’s book in hand I cast-on and added a few eyelets as I knit. I gave that shawl away and I have not been inspired to knit one since. There are a few gorgeous versions of Pi shawls available, and a quick search around the internet or on Ravelry will find them for you.

This piece was designed especially for my winter 2010 group project. My group projects are always based on what I feel like knitting. There are no yarn restraints. There are no yardage restraints. There are no limitation on how many pages I can spread out on. It can be as technically challenging as I want. It is in this setting of complete abandon that The Snow Queen project was gestated. EZ was brilliant, but I have never really loved the Pi construction. The concept is elegant but the reality was never quite that for me. I find the huge increase rows visually distracting and without grace. It is hard to get the pattern from one tier to line up with the pattern from the next tier. I did not want to do a stitch pattern sampler with unrelated patterns in each tier, although that would be a fun way to do a sampler. The design challenge for me was to make the tiers flow from one to the next and to incorporate the increase rounds into the design as much as possible.

I redesigned the charts for this project three times before moving forward, which is really unusual for my design process. That such a straightforward construction technique presents a significant challenge speaks to both the brilliance of Elizabeth Zimmermann and the potential of our craft. This design starts out as an argument between a simple Pi shawl and an Estonian shawl. There is a little cat fight between Charts B and C. In Chart C, one can clearly see that the Estonian Shawl has won the battle. Chart E, and F continue that trend, with some of the more traditional elements creeping back in during Chart F. I hope that you have as much fun knitting as I had designing.

This project uses some challenging techniques and is fully charted. There will not be line-by-line directions because there were this would not be ready to share until 2012. All are welcome until the group is full! Knit on...

New Designs for a New Year

2010-01-08T11:32:00.009-05:00

Happy New Year!

I am pleased to show you two new designs, both commissioned by the Jade Sapphire Yarn Company and both previewing at TNNA, right now!

The first design is call Netsuke Wrap. It is knit with a new Jade Sapphire yarn called AngelWing. This yarn is handspun laceweight, 100% Mongolian Cashmere and as soft as a cloud. Because the yarn is really handspun, the yardage varies from skein to skein. For such a soft yarn, it has remarkable stitch definition.
This project has an interesting construction and includes Ivory Ceylon beads in the first tier of the border. I consider it a challenging knit.
It is warm and light and can be worn as a wrap...
And also as a shrug, just by adding some ribbons ties.
Very interesting to knit and yummy to wear...

The second project uses one of my favorite yarns, Jade Sapphire 2-ply Silk and Mongolian Cashmere. The colorway that I used is called Purple Haze and the design is called The Beaded Serpent.
I used just one skein (about 400 yards) of yarn, plus Amethyst Gold Luster beads on both ends, along with a gold tassel. The color of the yarn and beads is a perfect blend.
This project also uses an interesting construction, with a provisional cast-on and no cast-off.
A very elegant serpent...

You can ask for both of these new designs where Jade Sapphire yarns are sold. The are brand new, so it might take a few weeks for shops to get them. If you have trouble finding them drop me a comment and I will help!

I added three more patterns to my Raverly Pattern Store (link on the left.) These are Blue Ribbon Sampler, Jade Flower and Crimson Cowl, just in case you were looking for any of these...

Finally, I am getting ready to launch my winter project. It is going to be a Pi shawl, using the traditional construction (thank you, EZ.) I did try to stretch the limits of that construction and I trust the project will be challenging and fun. If you belong to either of my YahooGroups you will get the details by later today. I will post details here next week, so stay tuned!

Until then, knit on!

Happy Solstice!

2009-12-24T08:32:00.011-05:00

BadKitten and her Cousin Ben made us cookies to celebrate the season. They are getting very good in the kitchen, eh?
I wanted to bring all of you a gift for the holiday season, and what could be better than a hat? Quick to make, fun to wear and it chases the winter chill.

This pattern began life as a basic doily, which I shared for free. You might recognize Little Flower... Catherine Dunlap took the doily pattern and made a lovely hat, which she was kind enough to share with me. Her hat is made on larger needles than are in my comfort zone, so I reworked things for a finer gauge. Her hat is styled as a tam, with a decrease at twice the rate of the increase. My version is a classic beret. This pattern contains three charted versions. The first version is a beret in sock weight yarn. The second is a beret in DK weight yarn, and the third is Catherine’s original, a tam in DK weight yarn. Thanks to Catherine for generously sharing her concept! Special thanks to Mary Rose and Judith Gilbert.
BadKitten graciously humors her mother by showing off the light weight beret. I believe that she looks gracious...
I think she is getting a little fed up, but hiding it well...

Materials for Light weight Beret
-1 skein of Ella Rae Lace Merino 100gms/460 yards in color 103
-1 set of 5 US 2 double pointed needles (7 inches or longer)
-Yarn needle for weaving in ends
-12 inch dinner plate to block (optional)
Gauge:
7 stitches to the inch blocked in stockinette.

Materials for DK weight tam or beret
-1 skein of Baby Bee Sweet Delight Twist in color yellow
-1 set of US size 8 double pointed needles (7 inches or longer)
-Yarn needle for weaving in ends
-12 in dinner plate to block (optional)
Gauge:
5 stitches to the inch in stockinette.

Directions
-Cast-on 8 stitches to four double pointed needles and join in the round being careful not to twist.
-Work one round plain.
-Begin following the chart
-Repeat chart eight times for each round (twice per needle.)
-After completing your chosen chart, cast off loosely in ribbing.
-Soak in cool water and block to shape. You can use a 12 in plate to block the berets.

For those of you who have been with me for the long haul, you know what to do with the following pictures! Click on them and print in Landscape mode. First you have the chart key...

Second you have the chart for the light weight beret...

Finally you have the chart for both the DK beret and tam...

Here are Cathrine Dunlap's photos of the tam that she made. Here model is Lauren Ruff, who was kind enough to let us use her photograph.
You can see the shape in this picture.
And the front edge here...
Finally, you can see the original Little Flower right here!
Both Little Flower and now this remix are available as PDF files at my Ravelry Pattern Store. They are both free! If you want to know more about Little Flower, check this old post for details.
I wish all of you a wonderful, wonderful whatever you are celebrating. I hope it is filled with fiber and cookies!

Little Gifts...Plain and Fancy

2009-11-22T07:19:00.005-05:00

With holidays coming fast, we all need a few small gifts that can fly quickly off the needles, use modest amounts of yarn and please a wide audience. Each of these project uses one skein of the specified yarn. As an added bonus, these project each involve more advanced techniques for lace knitters, and we could all buff our technique... The Green Spiral uses one skein of AllHemp 3 from Hemp for knitters. It has a center start, a simple spiral pattern and a knitted edging. Lots of good lace technique to practice on this one!

The finished Spiral is perfect on your table and looks great with my nice pots. It is equally as pretty as a wash cloth, and a crocheted loop is optional. This piece is about 15 inches across.

The Purple Square is also knit in the AllHemp 3, and is started at the center. This is another good piece for practicing that center start.

The finished Purple is 13 inches square and can be used as a table centerpiece or as a bath cloth. You can see the optional crocheted loop in this version.

The third project in the pattern is The Bronze Square. This one is knit in Marks and Kattens Linen (153 yards in 5o grams.) It is the simplest, and is a squares with a border pick-up and worked around. The techniques include using a provisional cast-on and and picking up a lace border.

The Bronze size is 11.5 inches square and it works as either a table center or a wash cloth. This piece and a fancy bar of soap are perfect as a hostess gift or stocking stuffer for the fussiest people on your gift list!

The pattern, which includes all three projects, is available now at my Ravelry Pattern Store. Knit on into the Holidays!

The Summer Squares Festival!

2009-11-06T08:20:00.000-05:00

I have some amazing work to share with you today! Following are photos of finished projects from The Summer Squares Suite, with some details below each photo. I grouped the projects together, starting with The Summer Squares Blanket:
These two blankets are knit by Sue:
"Summer Squares Blanket #1 and 2: US 5 needles, Colourmart Exotic Cotton in Pale Leaves, Red Clay, River Sand, Hot Sand, Pale Earth, Single crochet chain to lace corners." I envy the lucky people who gets these beauties!

Next we have a couple of Dark Star Stoles:

This is Malle's Dark Star, made with "Knit Witch Yarn 100% Superfine Alpaca."
This is Sue's Dark Star (with Rocky)
"Dark Star: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) needles, 1 skein of Aurora Whisper in green, 1362 yds." Rocky looks pleased...

We have a few Blue Quartet Blankets next:

This version is from Sue:
"Quartet blanket: US 6, Colourmart Exotic Cotton in Pale Leaves and Silver Sand, 1 skein each 1100 yds. Modified the easy edging to 10 stitches with some YOs."
Mary Rose did this unique project borrowing elements from a few!
She calls it: Summer Mash
"Elann Norweigian Sport Wool (discontinued) and Knit Picks Telemark Wool
size 6 (US) needles
Elements of Summer Blanket (joins and edging) Golden Eye (border) The Blue Quartet (extra garter between the squares) "
This Blue Quartet is from Malle:
"Knit with Adriafil Snappy Ball, cotton."

These two photos are of Cara's Blue Quartet:
"The Quartet was knitted following the original directions with no additional repeats. I used Colourmart 4/28 Cashmere and a size 5 needle. Finished size is about 39 inches square."

Finally, we have a slew of Golden Eye Shawls:

This version was knit by Mary Rose (with TDQ):
"Golden Eye : Valley Yarns Hand-dyed 2/14 in Tapestry
size 4 (US) needles
modifications: added extra border repeats to enlarge the shawl"
This is Malle's version, and is knit from wool yarn.
This version was knit by Sue:
"Golden Eye: US 5 (3.75 mm) needles, 2 skeins of BBKnits laceweight in color "Peachglow" for a total of 1760 yds. I knit three extra repeats of the border. Hope to use it as a baby blanket!"
Cara knit this version:
"Golden Eye was knitted following the original directions with no additional repeats. I used Colourmart 2/16 Merino/Angora in green and knitted with a size 3 needle. Finished size is about 36 inches square."
Knit by Colleen Archbold:
"Knitpicks Shadow colour heathered blue, 3 skeins
3.75mm needles
I worked an extra round in the border.
size 8 beads, triangle fuscia lined light blue
Loved every minute of this project:)"
This one knit by Lara and she used Bernat Baby yarn.
Jean knit this version
"Yarn : Cashmere wool blend yarn 24 S/2
Needle size: 00 1.75mm
Color : Turquoise
Size: 45” square
She made 9 border repeats!"

The Summer Squares Group will be wrapping up, and the full suite of charts and patterns (all 40ish pages) will be available shortly. The individual patterns will also be available. Keep an eye on my Ravelry pattern store.

I can't thank all of you enough! The project was made so much richer by your willingness to share your finished work with me (and everyone else!) I hope all of you enjoyed the process as much as I did. I put all your names in a hat and asked LucyFur to close her eyes are pick one, but she reminded me that she does not have opposable thumbs...so I asked BadKitten to do it instead.

The winner of my small Summer Squares Festival Post gift is:
Malle!
Email me privately with your mailing address! The yarn and beads above will be on their way to you!

Finally, stay tuned! I have a nifty winter project in the works, and this one will be blog-based and great fun. Until next time, knit on!

Athena and Friends...

2009-10-15T20:45:00.006-04:00

I have a new design to share with you. This is what I call "travel knitting." There is a bunch of simple knitting that does not require much concentrations, and a few spurts of fun. I knit this project on my recent trip to Greece. It was not the only knitting that I had with me, but it was the only project that did not require constant attention to charts or small beads. I knit on planes, boats, beaches and mostly in a car on twisting mountain roads. This was a great project for all of that! It is available at my Ravelry Pattern Store as of right now. If you don't have a Ravelry account but still want the pattern, drop me a comment with your email address.

There are lovely 6/0 violet goldluster beads in the eyelet panel across the back and in the final border. I also used long magatamas, which were really fun to work with. The yarn is Araucania Itata Solid in color 2010 and I used 2 skeins (about 800 yards total.)
I showed you the fiber I dyed a few weeks ago. Yes, it will be yarn sooner rather than later. I am working on selecting some beads for this yarn right now, but the pattern I plan to knit is already designed, yes sir...

And finally, I made more socks using the new Jade Sapphire sock yarn, called Sapphire Sox. I decided I really like the yarn. The photo is terrible, but the pattern is pretty nice, so take a closer look. Better photos to follow, but the pattern is available right now at my Ravelry Pattern Store. If you want the pattern but not the Ravelry account, leave me a comment with your email address and I'll get back to you! You can still find a free (different) pattern for this yarn at the link for the yarn.

Finally, please look at the other recent additions to my Ravelry Pattern Store and thank you for your interest! I added Ojo De Dios and Tallin Sunset a few weeks ago.

I have several other major projects about to jump off my needles, plus some great little holiday gift projects and a big winter blog project all hiding up my sleeve, but first I have to go to Rhinebeck this Saturday. Neither rain or snow or sleet or...whatever!

Summer Squares Comes to a Conclusion...

2009-10-10T13:20:00.006-04:00

I posted the final charts and directions for The Summer Squares project last week. Now everyone just has to knit! The blanket can have as few as four squares (for a crib blanket) or as many squares as the knitter likes (for any size blanket you like!) The edging is simple, with lacing and a bow at each corner. My yarn is a very light cotton/silk blend, but this project can work in any weight yarn you want to work with.

The squares are joined using contrasting yarn and a fun, totally knit technique. No sewing is required for this project at all...

Before I say my final farewell to summer, I want to alert all my Summer Squares participants to a special Thank-You Contest. I want to share pictures of your Summer Squares projects here on the blog. Send me pictures of your completed projects, along with yarn specs, and I will put your name into the hat. Send me pictures of more than one completed project? I will put you name in the hat more times! And what will you get if you name is pulled from the hat??? Yarn and beads...shipped from my home to your home, anywhere in the world:
A ball of Lacey Lamb in this gorgeous, spicy orange and 20 grams of silver-lined warm, brown beads...perfect for an Autumn project! Until next week...knit on.

Summer Squares Take Eleven...and then some

2009-09-13T16:24:00.004-04:00

So I missed Take Ten. Don't yell at me...but this is The Summer Squares Project's eleventh week, and I am trying to be consistent. I got some modestly improved Dark Star photos. My model has been on strike (holding out for a better compensation package, possibly) and these were the only shots that she allowed me to post. Eventually I will have more and better pictures! Until then, you can get a pretty good sense of the project.

This shows the DarkStar Square...

And this shows the MoonShine Square...

And this shows the Beaded Belt Square along with a good detail shot of the border and edging.

I have a ton of knitting (and more than a ton of housework) to do, but I just had to take some time to make sweet and spicy pickled peppers. I love these and now I have enough to last about a year, as long as I don't give any away. I used hot cherry peppers, some jalapenos, some serranos and a few others that I don't know the names of. I know they are spicy because they made my face burn when I was cutting them. Yummmm.

And I have some new socks cooking, in preparation for a workshop I am teaching later this month. I am pleased with them, despite the mediocre picture.

I also have some new fiber in my queue. This is a merino and silk blend that I dyed and shared with a few friends. We are going to spin the fiber and use a scarf pattern I have gestating to each make our self a scarf. The group of us are all over the country. I am eager to see how each of us spins and knits this project. Expect to see more about over the next few months.

Finally, I have several other new knitting projects to share with you but first we have to wrap-up our Summer Squares work. I posted the Dark Star border chart this week and have the edging to post next week, and the blanket finishing right after that. Whew! I better get back to my knitting needles...so until next week, knit on!